Both apps can recognise speech on your Mac with free local models, so this is not a local-versus-cloud decision. The differences are in what each gives away and how you pay for the rest. Spokenly's free tier includes both Whisper and Parakeet models, the use of your own API keys, and a documented Local Only Mode that blocks network access. Superwhisper's free tier covers local Whisper dictation, and its Pro features can be bought once, as a $249.99 Lifetime licence, where Spokenly Pro is a subscription. Choose Spokenly to get the most for $0; choose Superwhisper if you want built-in AI modes and cloud models without a yearly bill.
Publisher note: SuprFlow publishes this guide and is one of the products discussed. Competitor details come from each company's own pages, checked on 1 October 2026. Prices and features change; confirm before you buy.
We have not run a controlled benchmark of either app, so nothing here says which is more accurate.
Who should pick which?
- You want unlimited local dictation and never want to pay: either works. Spokenly includes Parakeet models free; Superwhisper's free tier uses Whisper models.
- You already have an OpenAI, Deepgram or Groq key: Spokenly lets you use it at no charge from Spokenly. On Superwhisper, your own keys are a Pro feature.
- You want one switch that blocks the app's network access: Spokenly's Local Only Mode.
- You want cloud models and AI modes but dislike subscriptions: Superwhisper Lifetime.
- You want Android or Linux: Superwhisper lists Android and Spokenly lists Linux.
How do Superwhisper and Spokenly compare?
As of 1 October 2026. Superwhisper details are from its plans page, introduction, voice models page and sensitive-data guide. Spokenly details are from its pricing page, Local Only Mode documentation and open-source statement.
| Superwhisper | Spokenly | |
|---|---|---|
| Free local models | Whisper models, unlimited | Whisper and Parakeet models, "Unlimited use", "$0 forever", no account needed |
| Local models that need payment | Parakeet and Cohere Transcribe are Pro | None listed; "Everything local is free forever in every plan" |
| Your own API keys | Pro feature | Free; you pay the provider |
| AI cleanup without paying | No AI processing after the first 3,000 words of Pro features | Its pricing table lists Apple Intelligence on the free local plan and your own LLM key on the free keys plan; with a key you pay the provider |
| Paid tier | Pro: $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year, or $249.99 once | Pro: $99.99 a year (shown as $8.33 a month) |
| What paid adds | Cloud voice models, AI modes, file transcription, system audio recording, speaker separation | Managed cloud models, hosted AI cleanup, sync across devices, priority support |
| One-time option | Yes, Lifetime | No one-time option listed |
| Platforms | macOS 14 or later, Windows, iOS, Android | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS |
| Network block | No single switch on individual plans; you choose local models per mode. Enterprise admins can disable hosted cloud models | Local Only Mode blocks network activity except model downloads and localhost |
| Source code | Not described as open source | "Not open source and is not available on GitHub" |
| Security documents | SOC 2 report on request; DPA and BAA to sign | None found on the pages we read |
| Refund | 30 days from first purchase on superwhisper.com | 14-day money-back guarantee on Pro bought on spokenly.app |
How do their privacy controls differ?
Both keep content on the Mac when you use local models. The difference is how that is enforced.
Spokenly's Local Only Mode is a single switch. Spokenly says it disables "all network activity except local model downloads", allows connections to localhost so locally hosted models still work, and also blocks the "minimal analytics" Spokenly otherwise collects. If you pick an online model while it is on, transcription fails. That makes a mistake visible.
Superwhisper works mode by mode. Its sensitive-data guide explains that voice-to-text and AI processing are separate stages, each local or cloud, and that with local models for both, nothing leaves your machine. On the Free plan, its plans page says nothing you dictate leaves your device. On Pro, you check each mode yourself. Is Superwhisper safe? lists what to review.
These are each company's descriptions. We have not audited either app's network traffic.
What does each cost over three years?
List prices as of 1 October 2026, one person, USD, before tax, assuming prices do not change.
| Option | Year 1 | After 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Superwhisper Free | $0 | $0 |
| Spokenly local models or your own keys | $0 to Spokenly | $0 to Spokenly |
| Superwhisper Pro, annual | $84.99 | $254.97 |
| Superwhisper Pro, Lifetime | $249.99 | $249.99 |
| Spokenly Pro, yearly | $99.99 | $299.97 |
With your own keys, the provider bills you for usage, so that row is not truly free. Spokenly pricing and Superwhisper pricing cover monthly billing, student discounts and refunds.
Choose Superwhisper if…
- You want AI modes and cloud models with a one-time payment.
- You want file transcription, meeting recording or speaker separation.
- You use an Android phone.
- Your organisation needs a SOC 2 report, a BAA, or admin control over cloud models.
Choose Spokenly if…
- You want the widest free local setup, including Parakeet.
- You want to use your own API keys without paying for a plan.
- You want one switch that blocks network access.
- You use Linux.
How do you test both in 15 minutes?
Both are free to start. Use made-up content.
- Install both (4 minutes). Grant Microphone and Accessibility. Download one local model in each and note its name. Superwhisper's default Mac shortcut is Option-Space; give Spokenly a different key.
- Turn on Local Only Mode in Spokenly. In Superwhisper, confirm the selected voice model is local.
- Dictate in your mail app (3 minutes). "Hi Benedikt, the shipment was 2,640 units, not 2,460. Invoice 7193 is due Thursday the 8th, sorry, Friday the 9th. Copy Dr. Abiodun."
- Check both names, both numbers, the invoice number and the corrected date.
- Turn Wi-Fi off and repeat (3 minutes). Both should keep working with local models.
- Try your jargon (5 minutes). Two sentences with your own terms. Add misses to each app's vocabulary and retry.
Fewer corrections in your own apps decides it.
A third option
Both apps already give free local dictation, so most readers do not need to pay anyone. SuprFlow is a paid Mac-only alternative with fewer choices to make: hold Fn, speak, release, and a local model's text is pasted at the cursor, with local cleanup of punctuation, capitalization and numbers. It costs $125 once for up to five Macs you own and needs Apple Silicon and macOS 14 or later. It has no free tier, no whole-app network switch like Spokenly's, no Windows, Linux or phone app, and no file transcription. Try both free tiers first. SuprFlow vs Spokenly and SuprFlow vs Superwhisper go further.
Questions people ask
Is Spokenly or Superwhisper better for free use?
Spokenly gives more for free on its own pages: Whisper and Parakeet models, plus cloud models and AI cleanup through your own API keys, with the provider billing you for usage. Superwhisper Free gives unlimited local Whisper dictation without AI processing.
Do Superwhisper and Spokenly work offline?
Yes, with local models after they are downloaded. Spokenly says its local models work "completely offline", and Superwhisper says local voice models transcribe without an internet connection.
Does Spokenly have a lifetime licence like Superwhisper?
Not on its pricing page, which lists Pro as a subscription. Superwhisper sells Pro as a $249.99 Lifetime licence as well as monthly and annual plans.
Are Superwhisper or Spokenly open source?
No. Spokenly's site says it is not open source. Superwhisper's pages do not describe it as open source.
Related guides
- Superwhisper pricing
- Is Superwhisper safe and local?
- Spokenly pricing
- Spokenly alternatives
- Superwhisper alternatives for Mac
- Best offline dictation app for Mac
Sources
- Superwhisper Docs — Plans and Pricing
- Superwhisper Docs — Introduction
- Superwhisper Docs — Quickstart
- Superwhisper Docs — Voice models
- Superwhisper Docs — Sensitive Data Best Practices
- Superwhisper Docs — Compliance and Trust
- Superwhisper — Refund Policy
- Spokenly — Pricing
- Spokenly Docs — Local Only Mode
- Spokenly — Open source statement