Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →You can use OpenAI Whisper on a Mac to turn a video’s speech into an SRT or VTT subtitle file without paying for Whisper. Install FFmpeg and Whisper, run the command-line tool on your video, then review the transcript and timing. The output is a separate subtitle file; it does not automatically add styled captions to the video.
What you need
- A Mac with Python and pip available in a Python environment. Whisper’s README says the codebase is expected to be compatible with Python 3.8–3.11; check the current README if you use a newer Python version or installation fails.
- FFmpeg, which Whisper requires to read audio from media files.
- The video file you want to transcribe, and enough disk space for the model files Whisper downloads when needed.
OpenAI releases Whisper’s code and model weights under the MIT License, according to its README. That license does not determine whether you have rights to use the source video or its transcript.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Install FFmpeg and Whisper
-
Open Terminal and install FFmpeg with Homebrew:
brew install ffmpegThis is the macOS installation command documented in the Whisper README. If Homebrew is not installed, set it up separately before running this command.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Activate the Python environment where you want Whisper installed, then run:
#1 Best Overall
FIFINE K669B USB Microphone, Condenser Recording Mic for Vocals, Meeting | Metal Cardioid Laptop Mic for MAC OS, Windows, Voice Overs, Streaming, Online Meeting and YouTube Videos- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to USB-A port for recording music, computer singing or podcast. The office condenser microphone for computer is easy to use and install. (NOT compatible with Xbox and Phones)
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when you are doing voice overs or livestreams on YouTube. Durable material extends the service life of the voice-over microphone.
- [Mic Volume Knob] Gaming condenser USB mic compatible for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice would be heard well enough through the zoom microphone USB when gaming, skyping or voice recording. Also, you can adjust your volume to zero and protect your privacy.
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice chat and voice recognition. The podcast microphone for Mac, with USB-B to USB-A/C cable, is compatible with desktop, laptop or PS4/PS5, which meets most of your daily recording needs.
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid condenser microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound. Great computer recording mic for gamers/streamers/youtubers focus on the main source and reduces background noise. The streaming microphone does the job well for broadcast ,OBS and teamspeak.
pip install -U openai-whisperThe README also documents installing from GitHub. Use a Python version supported by the project’s current installation guidance.
Generate an SRT subtitle file
In Terminal, change to the folder containing your video, or provide its full path. Run this example to create an SRT:
Rank #2
- 360 Degree Position Adjustable Gooseneck Design --Plug and play USB microphone Pick up the sound from 360-degree with high sensitivity, in the best possible location for sound to your PC gaming, dragon voice dictation, and talk to Cortana
- Mute Button & LED Indicator --One-click to mute/unmute your microphone for pc, Build-in LED indicator tells you the working status at any time
- Intelligent Noise-Canceling Tech --Premium omnidirectional condenser microphone with noise-canceling technology can pick up your clear voice and reduce background noise and echo
- USB Plug&Play(1.8/6ft USB Cable) -- No driver required. Just need to plug & play for the microphone to start recording, well compatible with Windows(7, 8, 10 and 11) and macOS. (NOT compatible with Xbox/Raspberry Pi/Android)
- Solid Construction--Adopting premium metal pipe and heavy-duty ABS stand to make sure that you will be satisfied with our computer mic quality
whisper "input-video.mp4" --model turbo --output_format srtReplace input-video.mp4 with your file’s name or path. The command combines documented Whisper CLI options; it is an example, not a performance test. Whisper writes the subtitle output to its output directory, which defaults to the current working directory. To choose a different folder, add --output_dir followed by the folder path:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
whisper "input-video.mp4" --model turbo --output_format srt --output_dir "subtitles"Whisper supports both SRT and VTT subtitle output. Choose the format accepted by the editor or platform where you plan to use the file:
Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
whisper "input-video.mp4" --model turbo --output_format vttThe CLI also supports text, TSV, JSON, and JSONL output, but those are not subtitle formats. See the transcription implementation for CLI options.
Choose the model and language behavior
Transcribe speech in its original language
Whisper can detect the spoken language automatically. You can also specify it with --language if you know what is spoken. For example, to request English transcription explicitly:
Rank #4
- 【Crystal Clear Audio Quality】Our Omnidirectional pattern condenser microphone accurately captures your voice, making it perfect for dictation, online classrooms, and more.
- 【Active Noise-Cancelling】Come in CMTECK CCS2.0 SMART CHIP with Omnidirectional Polar Pattern, which can effectively block the background noise. The pop filter prevents plosives from overloading the microphone, ensuring only your voice is heard.7
- 【Convenient Mute Button with LED Indicator】You can quickly mute/un-mute the microphone with the Mute Button and the built-in LED light lets you know the working status(Greenlight: Connected; Red light: Mute mode).
- 【Easy to use】 No drivers needed, just plug and record without external power supply, directly connect the microphone to a USB compatible device, well compatible with Windows(7, 8 and 10), Mac OS and PS4 (NOT compatible with Raspberry Pi/Linux/Android）
- 【Mini size with Adjustable Gooseneck】Adopted flexible and adjustable gooseneck metal pipe, easily adjust position 360 degrees to suit user comfort. The compact and stable base maximizes your desktop space.
whisper "input-video.mp4" --model turbo --language English --output_format srtThe CLI defaults to the turbo model. OpenAI describes turbo as an optimized version of large-v3 intended to run faster with minimal accuracy degradation. No Mac-specific speed or accuracy guarantee is established, so processing time and recognition quality can vary.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTranslate non-English speech into English
For translation into English, use a multilingual model such as medium or large and set --task translate:
Best Value
- HIGH SENSITIVITY for CLEAR CALL - This portable USB microphone adpots a 6*10mm high sensitivity condensor microphone to capture clear voice, the audio signal processed by multi levels of audio gain amplifier and advanced ADC module, it provides crystal clear voice, reliable compatibility and noise cancelling. It's able to capture voice in 10ft distance clearly -it's very small, but powerful. Plug it into the computer, you'll experience better con-call immediately.
- PLUG-and-PLAY - The USB 2.0 interface is widely compatible with the most computer devices (Windows, Mac, Raspberry Pi, Linux, Chromebook & etc ) and softwares (Google Meetings, Zoom, Team, Skype & etc). Just plug it into the USB port and done. No extra driver or settings are required.
- COMPACT & PORTABLE - Like a flash disk, you can put it in the pocket with ease. Carry it with your laptop, and plug it in when you need it. No more tangled cords or bulky bases hogging your desk space, This mic is on a mission to keep your workspace sleek and organized.
- IDEAL REPLACEMENT - If you are looking for a quality microphone for work at home, online conferencing, online class, live streaming and webinar, this is a great choice. It's not a recording studio grade microphone, but the sound quality is better than most of laptop built-in microphones, and it's completely enough to meet your general demand.
- WHAT YOU GET - Packed in a metal carrying box, and comes with 12 months waranty. For any concern, you can send us messages and we will respond in 24 hours.
whisper "input-video.mp4" --model medium --task translate --output_format srtDo not use turbo for this task: the README says it is not trained for translation and returns the original language even when translation is requested. For ordinary transcription, Whisper writes speech in the source language; translation is a separate task. Model and task guidance is in the project README.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Review the subtitles before using them
Automatic recognition can mishear speech or produce awkward timing and line breaks. Watch the video while checking the subtitle file, and correct:
- Names, technical terms, and numbers.
- Missed or incorrectly recognized words and punctuation.
- Subtitle start and end times against the speech.
- Line breaks and readability on screen.
Whisper’s CLI includes experimental word-level timestamps and options to limit subtitle line width and line count. These controls can help shape the output, but they do not guarantee publication-ready captions. The available options are documented in the transcription implementation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Use the SRT or VTT file with your video
The generated SRT or VTT is a sidecar subtitle file, not a finished video with captions embedded. You can import it into a video editor or upload it alongside the video on a platform that accepts subtitle files. To make captions permanently visible in the image, use an editor or encoding workflow that can burn subtitles into the video; that is a separate step from Whisper’s subtitle generation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
