Superwhisper
Superwhisper vs Aqua Voice
Two local-first voice-to-text tools with real privacy. Aqua Voice is a YC-backed startup that does desktop dictation well. Superwhisper goes further with iOS, 100+ languages, file transcription, and AI modes that adapt to what you're doing. Here's a fair look at both.
Side-by-side comparison
| Superwhisper | Aqua Voice | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | macOS |
| Offline mode | Full offline support | Privacy-focused (no server storage) |
| Privacy | On-device, audio never leaves machine | On-device, nothing stored on servers |
| 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 | Works with any IDE, system-wide | Works across apps |
| File transcription | Yes | No |
| Enterprise | SSO, team billing | Team plan at $12/mo per user |
| Free tier | Free forever + Pro trial | 1,000 words/mo |
Where they actually differ
Platform coverage
Superwhisper runs on macOS, Windows, and iOS. Start a note on your Mac, pick it up on your phone. Aqua Voice is currently 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 languages. 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 context to improve accuracy.
Where Superwhisper pulls ahead is in 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. It types into whatever app has focus, so it works in Cursor, Claude Code, VS Code, terminals, anything. Andrej Karpathy coined "vibe coding" while using Superwhisper with Cursor. Pieter Levels uses the same setup.
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.
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 genuinely useful.
They're also a small, focused YC-backed team building specifically for dictation. That focus 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 about Superwhisper
"Superwhisper delivers on the dream of an AI-native operating system. The best part: it's insanely fast and does just what you expect."
— Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel
"Tried @superwhisperapp today. Very nice. Lets me talk to Cursor and then it codes for me, just gets it right."
— Pieter Levels, serial entrepreneur
Frequently asked questions
Is Aqua Voice a good alternative to Superwhisper?
Aqua Voice is solid for desktop dictation on Mac. It has strong accuracy and privacy-focused processing. Superwhisper covers more ground with Windows, iOS, 100+ languages, file transcription, and system-wide AI modes. If you only need Mac dictation, Aqua Voice works. If you want a tool that follows you across devices, Superwhisper is the better fit.
Does Superwhisper work offline like Aqua Voice?
Superwhisper has full offline support with on-device models. Aqua Voice says nothing is stored on their servers, but they don't explicitly confirm offline capability. Superwhisper definitely works without internet.
Which tool supports more languages?
Superwhisper supports over 100 languages. Aqua Voice supports 49. If you work in a less common language or switch between multiple languages, Superwhisper gives you broader coverage.
Can I use Superwhisper or Aqua Voice for coding?
Superwhisper works system-wide, so it works in any IDE or terminal. Cursor, Claude Code, VS Code, Xcode, whatever you use. Andrej Karpathy coined 'vibe coding' using Superwhisper with Cursor. Aqua Voice also works across apps since it types into any text field, but Superwhisper's Super Mode adds screen-aware context that's especially useful when coding.
Does Aqua Voice have an iOS app?
No. Aqua Voice is currently Mac only. Superwhisper is available on macOS, Windows, and iOS. Your Pro license works across all your devices.
How does pricing compare?
Both have free tiers. Superwhisper's free tier doesn't expire and Pro starts at $8/mo. Aqua Voice gives you 1,000 free words per month, with Pro at $8/mo or $96/year. Aqua Voice's Team plan is $12/mo per user.
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