kitio.aiMacWhisper vs Ermine.ai
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Ermine.ai is completely free, while MacWhisper is freemium.
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
- In-browser speech recognition
- Microphone recording
- Audio and transcript download
- No account needed
| Feature | MacWhisper | Ermine.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models | Browser-based transcription that keeps your audio on your device |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | See pricing page | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | Jordi Bruin | Ermine.ai |
| Based in | Netherlands | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Ermine.ai is completely free, while MacWhisper is freemium.
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
Ermine.ai
- Audio never leaves your device
- Nothing to install or sign up for
- Fast after the first model load
- English only
- First load downloads a 50 MB model
- Live microphone input only, no file uploads
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 Ermine.ai if you want:
- Audio never leaves your device
- Nothing to install or sign up for
- Fast after the first model load
Watch out: english only.
MacWhisper vs Ermine.ai FAQ
What is the difference between MacWhisper and Ermine.ai?
MacWhisper: Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models. Ermine.ai: Browser-based transcription that keeps your audio on your device. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is MacWhisper or Ermine.ai cheaper?
Ermine.ai is completely free, while MacWhisper is freemium.
Do MacWhisper and Ermine.ai have free plans?
MacWhisper: Yes. Ermine.ai: Yes, fully free.
Who makes MacWhisper?
MacWhisper is made by Jordi Bruin, based in Netherlands.
Who makes Ermine.ai?
Ermine.ai is made by Ermine.ai.
Which should I choose, MacWhisper or Ermine.ai?
Choose MacWhisper if you value audio never leaves your mac and one-time payment for pro. Choose Ermine.ai if you value audio never leaves your device and nothing to install or sign up for.