Our verdict: Superwhisper's free plan is generous for privacy-minded users: unlimited dictation with local Whisper models, and nothing leaves your PC. The AI features that make it stand out, such as rewriting modes, cloud models and file transcription, need Pro. On Windows, the larger local models need a Vulkan-capable GPU to be fast.
About Superwhisper
Superwhisper is a dictation app for Windows 10 and 11 on x64 and ARM64, also available for macOS, iOS and Android. It sits in the system tray: press a shortcut, speak, and the text is pasted into the app you are using. The free plan gives unlimited dictation with local Whisper models (Fast, Nano and Standard), custom vocabulary, text replacements and up to two modes without AI processing.
With local models the audio never leaves your device and works offline. Pro adds cloud voice models, which send audio through Superwhisper's proxy to the provider with a zero-retention policy, plus AI modes that rewrite text, context awareness, file and system audio transcription, and your own API keys. New users get 3,000 words of Pro for free. Pro costs $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year or $249.99 once, and one license covers all devices.
What it does well
- Dictation in any app. A shortcut records your voice and pastes the text where you type.
- Free local models. Whisper Fast, Nano and Standard run offline on your PC.
- Custom vocabulary. Remembers names, abbreviations and specialized terms.
- Modes. Different modes for messages, email or documents; AI modes need Pro.
- Cloud or local. Pro lets you choose cloud models or larger local ones per mode.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who want private dictation for free, with the option to add AI rewriting later.
Look elsewhere
Users who expect AI formatting and file transcription without paying for Pro.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free unlimited offline dictation
- Audio stays local with local models
- One Pro license for all devices
- Lifetime license option
Cons
- AI modes, cloud models and file transcription need Pro
- Best local models are Pro-only
- Large local models are slow without Vulkan
How to install Superwhisper
The button downloads the Windows x64 installer; an ARM64 build is on the Windows page. Run it, allow microphone access and follow the setup wizard. On the free plan pick a local Whisper model. Larger local models use Vulkan when your GPU supports it and fall back to the much slower CPU otherwise; Windows ARM has no Vulkan support in Superwhisper.
Questions about Superwhisper
Is Superwhisper free?
Yes, there is a free plan with unlimited dictation using local Whisper models. New users also get 3,000 words of Pro features. Pro costs $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year or $249.99 for a lifetime license.
Does Superwhisper work offline?
Yes, with local models. They transcribe on your device without internet. Cloud models and most AI processing need a connection.
