Comparison
Talki vs Superwhisper
Superwhisper is a powerful dictation app with offline models and custom modes. Talki is a quieter Mac tool built around saved originals and project notes.
The short answer
Choose Superwhisper if you want local Whisper models running offline, AI modes that rewrite text per app, meeting capture or file transcription, or you need Windows and mobile. Choose Talki if you want each dictation saved as a recording you can replay, notes organised by project, and a small set of controls that stays out of the way.
Side by side
| Talki | Superwhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Offline recognition | Apple on-device speech | Local Whisper models, best on Apple silicon |
| Cloud models | Your OpenRouter key, or Talki Plus later | Built-in cloud models on Pro |
| Your own API key | Yes, on the free plan | Yes, on Pro |
| Modes that rewrite text | Optional cleanup; dictionary replacements | Voice, message, email and custom modes |
| Saved original of each dictation | Yes, replayable in a local library | Not documented |
| Meetings and files | Not offered | Meetings on Mac; file transcription on Pro |
| Price | Free core; Talki Plus planned | Free tier; Pro monthly, yearly or lifetime |
Superwhisper facts come from superwhisper.com, checked on 19 October 2026.
Where Superwhisper is stronger
- Local Whisper models. It runs Whisper on your Mac, which helps for languages Apple does not support on-device.
- Modes. Per-app modes reshape dictation into emails or messages automatically.
- Breadth. Meetings, file transcription, translation and more platforms in one product.
Where Talki is different
- Source first. Talki saves your recording before any model runs and keeps it with the raw transcript, so a bad transcription is never the only copy.
- Own key on the free plan. Connecting OpenRouter does not require a paid Talki plan.
- Notes as a workspace. Voice notes collect in projects; you can add more speech to a note later and export it as Markdown.
- Fewer moving parts. One shortcut, one floating control, one library.
Frequently asked
Is Talki a free Superwhisper alternative?
Talki's core is free, including Apple on-device transcription and using your own OpenRouter key. Superwhisper also has a free tier with local Whisper models; the right choice depends on which features you need.
Does Talki run Whisper locally?
Not in this version. Talki uses Apple's on-device recognition locally and reaches Whisper-class models through OpenRouter with your key.