kitio.aiMacWhisper vs Aiko
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Aiko starts at $24 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- On-device transcription
- Multiple Whisper models
- Batch processing
- Subtitle export
- System-wide dictation
- Local Whisper transcription
- About 100 languages
- Mac, iOS and visionOS apps
- Shortcuts support
- No data collection
| Feature | MacWhisper | Aiko |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models | On-device transcription app for Mac, iPhone and Vision Pro |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $24 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | No, trial available |
| Made by | Jordi Bruin | Sindre Sorhus |
| Based in | Netherlands | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Aiko starts at $24 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Local Whisper transcription
- Smaller models
Pro
€64 one-time
- Lifetime license
- Larger, faster models
- System-wide dictation
- Cloud AI providers
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
MacWhisper
- Audio never leaves your Mac
- One-time payment for Pro
- Fast on Apple silicon
- Mac and iPhone only
- Two editions with confusing pricing
Aiko
- Audio never leaves your device
- One-time price, no subscription
- Uses the large Whisper model on Mac
- Apple platforms only
- Smaller models on iPhone can be less accurate
- Quality drops for some languages
Which one should you choose?
Choose MacWhisper if you want:
- Audio never leaves your Mac
- One-time payment for Pro
- Fast on Apple silicon
Watch out: mac and iphone only.
Choose Aiko if you want:
- Audio never leaves your device
- One-time price, no subscription
- Uses the large Whisper model on Mac
Watch out: apple platforms only.
MacWhisper vs Aiko FAQ
What is the difference between MacWhisper and Aiko?
MacWhisper: Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models. Aiko: On-device transcription app for Mac, iPhone and Vision Pro. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is MacWhisper or Aiko cheaper?
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Aiko starts at $24 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MacWhisper and Aiko have free plans?
MacWhisper: Yes. Aiko: No, trial available.
Who makes MacWhisper?
MacWhisper is made by Jordi Bruin, based in Netherlands.
Who makes Aiko?
Aiko is made by Sindre Sorhus.
Which should I choose, MacWhisper or Aiko?
Choose MacWhisper if you value audio never leaves your mac and one-time payment for pro. Choose Aiko if you value audio never leaves your device and one-time price, no subscription.