MacWhisper review

MacWhisper takes the opposite approach to cloud services: it runs transcription models on your Mac, and the developer states that no data leaves your machine. For a reporter protecting a source or a researcher bound by an ethics board, that alone can decide the choice. The app transcribes files by drag and drop, records Zoom, Teams, Webex, Skype and Discord calls in the background without a bot joining, recognizes speakers and removes filler words like um and uh. It supports over 100 languages, offers system-wide dictation and exports to subtitles, DOCX, PDF, Markdown and other formats. Pro is a one-time license with lifetime updates rather than a monthly fee, and a free version covers the basics. The trade-offs come from running locally. Speed depends on your computer, the developer recommends M-series Macs, the current version needs macOS 14 or later, and there is no shared workspace for teams. Our US price check is pending because the store showed local currency.

Who it is for

Mac users with sensitive interviews or research audio who want transcripts that never leave the computer.

Price

Free version; Pro is a one-time license (See vendor pricing, USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Local transcription models, so audio does not leave your Mac
• Background recording of Zoom, Teams, Webex, Skype and Discord calls with no bot
• Speaker recognition and removal of filler words
• Over 100 languages and translation
• System-wide dictation and exports to subtitles, documents and text

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Works offline, which suits confidential sources
• Strength: One payment instead of a subscription
• Strength: Also available on iPhone and iPad
• Weakness: Mac only on the desktop
• Weakness: Speed depends on your hardware; M-series Macs are recommended
• Weakness: No shared team workspace

Key facts

• Free version: Yes
• Pro license: One-time payment with lifetime updates
• Processing: On device
• Languages: Over 100
• Current version needs: macOS 14 Sonoma or later

Where it ranks

MacWhisper is No. 3 in our Best Transcription Software verdict.