kitio.aiMacWhisper vs Soundwise
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. 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
- Unlimited local transcription
- Cloud transcription on Pro
- Many audio and video formats
- Multi-format export
- No sign-up for free use
| Feature | MacWhisper | Soundwise |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models | Browser transcription for audio and video, free when run locally |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Jordi Bruin | joyin LLC |
| Based in | Netherlands | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. 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
2 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited local transcription
- Runs in your browser
- Slower processing
Pro
$20/mo
- Unlimited cloud transcription
- About 30 seconds per audio hour
- Multi-format export
- Unlimited cloud storage
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
Soundwise
- Free tier has no usage limit
- Runs in the browser
- Fast cloud option at a low price
- Free mode is slow and needs the tab open
- Accounts can't be shared
- Few editing tools beyond transcripts
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 Soundwise if you want:
- Free tier has no usage limit
- Runs in the browser
- Fast cloud option at a low price
Watch out: free mode is slow and needs the tab open.
MacWhisper vs Soundwise FAQ
What is the difference between MacWhisper and Soundwise?
MacWhisper: Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models. Soundwise: Browser transcription for audio and video, free when run locally. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is MacWhisper or Soundwise cheaper?
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MacWhisper and Soundwise have free plans?
MacWhisper: Yes. Soundwise: Yes.
Who makes MacWhisper?
MacWhisper is made by Jordi Bruin, based in Netherlands.
Who makes Soundwise?
Soundwise is made by joyin LLC, based in United States.
Which should I choose, MacWhisper or Soundwise?
Choose MacWhisper if you value audio never leaves your mac and one-time payment for pro. Choose Soundwise if you value free tier has no usage limit and runs in the browser.