Superwhisper

Superwhisper is a voice-dictation app that turns speech into formatted text across applications. It is best for people who switch between everyday writing and technical prompts, or need an offline option. Its context-aware formatting is the main reason to choose it over basic speech recognition; the 3,000-word Pro trial and paid file transcription are the key limits to weigh.

Overview

Superwhisper works anywhere text can be entered, with Slack, Cursor, and Notion among its examples. Its Super Mode reads the screen and adapts dictation to the active app, such as shaping speech into an email or a technical coding prompt. That makes it a stronger fit for varied writing workflows than for someone who only wants a literal transcript with no formatting.

Key features

• Context-aware formatting: Using the active screen as context can reduce the need to reshape dictated text when moving between messages and code prompts. The advantage matters most when the requested output changes by app; it is less useful for straightforward verbatim dictation.
• Languages and speaker identification: Superwhisper supports more than 100 languages, automatic language detection, translation between languages, and speaker identification. Pro includes translation to English, so users who need that specific workflow should account for the paid tier.
• Offline processing and cloud models: On-device speech models work without internet and keep audio on the device. Cloud-model audio and text pass through Superwhisper’s proxy to the provider; the company says they are not retained for training. Users who require local processing can choose the offline option, while cloud use involves sending content through that route.
• Files, coding, and CLI: Pro includes audio and video file transcription. Coding plugins support Claude Code, OpenCode, Codex, and Pi. The CLI can search and export transcripts, report recording statistics, and start a local MCP server for AI workflows; these tools are most relevant to users building dictation into coding or automation routines.
• Security: The Trust Center lists compliance with SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, and PIPEDA, a useful consideration for people evaluating software for regulated or privacy-conscious work.

Pricing

Superwhisper has a free tier and paid Pro plans. The homepage offers 3,000 words of Pro features to try; after that, free-tier features remain available. The trial is therefore a finite test of the paid capabilities, not an ongoing allowance.

Free is the practical choice for app-wide dictation, meeting transcription, and language coverage without a subscription, but it does not include Pro’s file transcription or priority support. Pro monthly suits users who want those capabilities without an annual commitment; the annual plan offers the same stated features at a lower total price than twelve monthly payments. Enterprise is aimed at organizations needing centralized controls or hosted models. The Pro Lifetime price is shown as $249.99 a month alongside a one-time-license term, so confirm the purchase terms before choosing it.

Platforms

Superwhisper is available for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. The download page lists macOS 13.3 or later, Windows 10 or later, and iOS 18 or later, and links to Google Play for Android. Check those requirements against your devices before settling on it for a cross-platform workflow.

Who it's for

Choose Superwhisper if you want dictation that adapts to the kind of text you are writing, need more than 100 languages, or value an on-device option that can work offline. Pro is the more relevant tier if your work includes transcribing audio or video files, using custom API keys, or needing priority support. If your priority is a fixed free allowance or literal dictation without context formatting, another tool may suit better.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Super Mode tailors text to the active app, which can cut editing when switching between messages and technical prompts.
• Pro: On-device models work offline and do not send audio off the device, giving users a local-processing option.
• Pro: Support for over 100 languages, speaker identification, and broad platform coverage make it usable across varied workflows.
• Con: Pro features are trial-limited to 3,000 words, after which file transcription and priority support require a paid plan.
• Con: Cloud-model processing sends audio and text through a proxy to the provider, so it is not the local-only choice.

Alternatives

Wispr Flow is worth considering if a weekly word allowance better fits your routine: its free plan gives individuals 2,000 words per week on desktop and 1,000 on mobile, with a weekly Notetaker limit.

Dictanote may fit users who want a free daily dictation allowance and notebook-based notes: its free plan includes 60 minutes of dictation a day, up to 50 notes in one notebook, and 50+ languages.

Voice In is an option for people who want browser-extension dictation on popular sites, with punctuation commands and 60 minutes per day on its free plan.

WakaScribe offers a free local plan with unlimited words and no time limit, making it a straightforward alternative when those limits matter most.

Lispr may suit Mac and Windows users who prefer a weekly free allowance: its free tier includes 60 dictation minutes per week.

Serenade is a free, open-source alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Vito is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows with local use and no subscription.

Aqua Voice is another cross-platform freemium option, with a Starter plan that includes 1,000 free words and its Avalon transcription model.

For a broader comparison, browse Dictation software, Speech Recognition Software, and Transcription Software.

Verdict

Superwhisper is a strong choice for people who dictate across different kinds of apps and want speech shaped to the task, with offline on-device processing as a meaningful option. Its free tier covers ongoing basic use, but the 3,000-word Pro trial makes file transcription and other paid features a limited evaluation. Look elsewhere if you need cloud processing avoided altogether or want a free tier with a stated recurring dictation allowance.