VoiceInk vs Superwhisper: Two Local Mac Dictation Apps
VoiceInk and Superwhisper both transcribe locally on your Mac, and that is where the similarity ends. VoiceInk is one-time ($25/$39/$49 by Mac count) and open source; Superwhisper has a genuinely free local tier and sells Pro at $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime for cloud models and AI modes.
VoiceInk is Mac-only. Superwhisper's one Pro license covers Mac, Windows, iOS and Android. Prices checked October 21, 2026.
VoiceInk vs Superwhisper: Side by Side
From tryvoiceink.com/pricing and superwhisper.com/docs/billing/plans, checked October 21, 2026.
| Feature | VoiceInk | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Free option | 7-day trial; build from source free | Unlimited local-Whisper dictation, 2 non-AI modes |
| Paid pricing | $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2), $49 (3), one-time | $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime |
| 3-year cost | $25–$49 total | $254.97 annual, $305.64 monthly, $249.99 lifetime |
| Models | Whisper and Parakeet locally | Local Whisper; Pro adds cloud models, Cohere Transcribe, Parakeet |
| AI modes | Cleanup via provider or local Refine | Super, Mail and other AI modes with context awareness |
| Meetings | None | Meetings transcription and speaker separation on Pro |
| Platforms | Apple Silicon Macs only | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Open source | Yes, GPL v3 | No |
Free option
VoiceInk
7-day trial; build from source free
Superwhisper
Unlimited local-Whisper dictation, 2 non-AI modes
Paid pricing
VoiceInk
$25 (1 Mac), $39 (2), $49 (3), one-time
Superwhisper
$8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime
3-year cost
VoiceInk
$25–$49 total
Superwhisper
$254.97 annual, $305.64 monthly, $249.99 lifetime
Models
VoiceInk
Whisper and Parakeet locally
Superwhisper
Local Whisper; Pro adds cloud models, Cohere Transcribe, Parakeet
AI modes
VoiceInk
Cleanup via provider or local Refine
Superwhisper
Super, Mail and other AI modes with context awareness
Meetings
VoiceInk
None
Superwhisper
Meetings transcription and speaker separation on Pro
Platforms
VoiceInk
Apple Silicon Macs only
Superwhisper
Mac, Windows, iOS, Android
Open source
VoiceInk
Yes, GPL v3
Superwhisper
No
Pricing at a Glance
VoiceInk
- Solo: $25 once
- Personal: $39 once
- Extended: $49 once
Superwhisper
- Free: $0
- Pro monthly: $8.49/mo
- Pro annual: $84.99/yr
- Pro lifetime: $249.99 once
A third option: Sotto
Sotto is the one-time answer to this pair: $49 once for up to 3 Macs — matching VoiceInk's Extended price — with lifetime updates included and Superwhisper-style local Whisper/Parakeet models that work offline.
What Sotto adds over both: the Sotto Assistant (77 Mac tools plus your MCP servers), a local REST API, the CLI and system-audio recording. What it gives up: Superwhisper's Windows/mobile coverage and free tier, and VoiceInk's open source.
macOS 15+ · Up to 3 Macs · All future updates included
Frequently Asked Questions
VoiceInk or Superwhisper?
Pick Superwhisper if the free local tier is enough or you want AI modes and multi-platform. Pick VoiceInk if you hate subscriptions and only need Mac dictation at $25–$49 once.
Which is cheaper long-term?
VoiceInk: $25–$49 once beats Superwhisper Pro's $254.97 over three years on annual billing — but Superwhisper's free local tier costs nothing at all.
Is Superwhisper open source?
No. VoiceInk is open source (GPL v3); Superwhisper is closed source.
What is the third option?
Sotto at $49 once for 3 Macs combines VoiceInk's one-time pricing with Superwhisper-style local models, and adds the Assistant and a local API.