Key differences
Both apps do the same job. The split is on where audio gets processed, which platforms each one supports, and how much the AI shapes your output after transcription.
| Superwhisper | Aqua Voice | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | macOS |
| Offline mode | Full offline support | No (cloud only) |
| Privacy | On-device, audio never leaves machine | Cloud processing |
| Languages | 100+ | 49 |
| Context-aware mode | Super Mode (screen reading) | Screen reading context |
| AI modes | Super, Voice, Email, Message, custom | Dictation with formatting |
| Custom dictionary | Custom modes with system prompts | Up to 800 values (Pro) |
| Developer tools | Any IDE, system-wide | Works across apps |
| File transcription | Yes | No |
| Enterprise | SSO, HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II | Team plan at $12/mo per user |
| Free tier | Free forever + Pro trial | 1,000 words/mo |
Key differences
Platform coverage
Superwhisper runs on macOS, Windows, and iOS. Start a note on your Mac, pick it up on your phone. Aqua Voice is Mac only with no mobile app. If you only work at a Mac that's fine. If you need Windows or mobile, Superwhisper is your option.
Language support
Superwhisper supports over 100 languages. Aqua Voice supports 49, which still covers most major ones. The gap matters if you work in less common languages or frequently switch between several. For English-only use, both are capable.
AI modes and customization
Both tools read your screen to add context. Superwhisper calls this Super Mode. Aqua Voice has a similar feature that reads on-screen text to improve accuracy.
Where Superwhisper pulls ahead is what happens after transcription. You can switch between dedicated modes for email, messaging, coding, or build your own with custom system prompts. Aqua Voice focuses more on raw dictation accuracy with a custom dictionary for specialized terms.
Developer experience
Superwhisper works system-wide, so it works in any IDE or terminal.
Cursor, 
VS Code, 
Claude Code, terminals, anywhere your cursor lands.Aqua Voice also works across apps since it functions as a system-level input tool. Both handle developer workflows, but Superwhisper's AI modes can format output specifically for code contexts.
Privacy and processing
This is the biggest practical difference. Superwhisper can run speech recognition entirely on your device. No internet needed, no audio leaving your machine. Aqua Voice processes audio in the cloud. They say nothing is stored on their servers, but the audio does leave your computer for processing.
If you work with sensitive information, need to work offline, or just prefer keeping voice data local, Superwhisper is the only option of the two that supports that.
Where Aqua Voice does well
Aqua Voice focuses hard on accuracy. They report 97.3% accuracy on the AISpeak benchmark, and their custom dictionary (up to 800 entries on Pro) helps with domain-specific vocabulary. If you use a lot of jargon or product names, that dictionary feature is useful.
They're a YC-backed team building specifically for dictation, which shows in the speed of their transcription pipeline.
File transcription
Superwhisper can transcribe audio and video files, not just live speech. Drop in a meeting recording or a voice memo and get a transcript. Aqua Voice is live dictation only.
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.
Keep comparing
How the leading cloud dictation tool compares on offline support, privacy, and pricing.
Read comparison
Real-time dictation versus the popular Mac file transcription tool.
Read comparison
Two different takes on AI dictation across Mac, Windows, and iOS.
Read comparisonSupport
