Key differences
Apple Dictation turns speech into text wherever you can type, and it costs nothing. Superwhisper is a separate app that does more with the text after you speak it.
| Superwhisper | Apple Dictation | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS, Android | macOS and iOS (Apple devices only) |
| Price | Free, Pro $8.49/mo or $84.99/yr, lifetime $249.99 | Free, built into the OS |
| Free tier | Never expires, plus a 3,000-word Pro trial | Not applicable, always free |
| Offline mode | On-device models on macOS, Windows, and iPhone; Android is cloud only | Depends on your language and device. Apple says to check Keyboard settings |
| Languages | 100+ | Varies by language and region |
| Punctuation | Automatic, plus AI modes that format text | Automatic in supported languages, plus spoken commands like "new paragraph" |
| AI modes | Multiple, with custom prompts | Not a feature of Dictation |
| Model choice | Several local and cloud models, bring your own API keys on Pro (not on Android) | One model, chosen by Apple |
| File transcription | Yes, on Pro (macOS and Windows) | No, live dictation only |
| Setup | Download the app | Turn on in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation |
Key differences
Price and setup: Apple wins on both
Apple Dictation costs nothing and ships with the OS. On a Mac you turn it on in System Settings under Keyboard, then start it with the Microphone key or a shortcut. There's no account, no download, and no subscription. If it covers what you need, you should use it.
Offline and privacy
Where Dictation runs depends on your language and region. Apple points users to Keyboard settings to see whether text is processed on the device or sent to Siri servers, and lets you manage audio sharing under Privacy & Security.
Superwhisper lets you pick the model. Local models run entirely on your device with no internet on macOS, Windows, and iPhone. Cloud models are optional, and you choose when to use them. Android is cloud only.
What happens after you speak
Apple Dictation inserts text. It adds punctuation in supported languages and understands spoken commands for emoji, punctuation, and line breaks. You fix mistakes by hand, or by clicking an underlined word to pick an alternative.
Superwhisper can also change the text. Context-aware modes can use what is on your screen (Pro), Voice Mode gives you plain transcription, there are modes for email and messaging, and you can write your own with a custom prompt. That's the biggest practical difference.
Platforms
Apple Dictation is for Apple devices. Superwhisper runs on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, and a Pro license covers all of them. If you move between a Mac and a Windows PC or an Android phone, one tool works on all of them.
Pricing
Superwhisper has a free tier that doesn't expire. Pro is $8.49 a month or $84.99 a year, and a one-time lifetime license is $249.99. Pro also lets you use your own API keys.
Where Apple Dictation does well
It's free, it's built in, and it's there in every text field on your Mac and iPhone with nothing to install. You can also keep typing while you dictate on Apple silicon Macs. For occasional dictation that's hard to beat.
What people say
Guillermo Rauch
Superwhisper delivers on the dream of an AI-native operating system. The best part: it's insanely fast and does just what you expect.
Pieter Levels
Tried @superwhisperapp today. Very nice. Lets me talk to Cursor and then it codes for me, just gets it right.
Choosing
Keep comparing
How the leading cloud dictation tool compares on offline support, privacy, and pricing.
Read comparison
An open-source Mac dictation app versus Superwhisper across Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.
Read comparison
Willow against Superwhisper on offline use, Windows and pricing.
Read comparison
How a cloud-only dictation app compares to Superwhisper's local models.
Read comparison
Two offline-capable dictation apps compared on platforms, languages and price.
Read comparison
Gemini voice typing versus a dedicated dictation app on Mac, iPhone and Android.
Read comparison
Real-time dictation versus the popular Mac file transcription tool.
Read comparisonSupport
