kitio.aiMacWhisper vs WhisperAPI
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and WhisperAPI starts at $10 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
- Whisper-based transcription
- 98+ languages
- Files up to 10 GB
- JSON, VTT, DOCX and PDF export
- Developer API
| Feature | MacWhisper | WhisperAPI |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models | Pay-as-you-go transcription API and web app built on OpenAI Whisper |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $10 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Jordi Bruin | WhisperAPI |
| Based in | Netherlands | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and WhisperAPI starts at $10 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
5 plans
Free
Free
- 5 transcription credits
40 credits
$10 one-time
- $0.25 per credit
- Credits never expire
100 credits
$20 one-time
- $0.20 per credit
- Credits never expire
200 credits
$30 one-time
- $0.15 per credit
- Credits never expire
Custom
$0.10 / credit
- Minimum 1,000 credits
- For large volumes
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
WhisperAPI
- No subscription; credits never expire
- Handles very large files
- Many export formats
- Only five free credits
- Relies on Whisper rather than its own model
- Bundle sizes are small for heavy use
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 WhisperAPI if you want:
- No subscription; credits never expire
- Handles very large files
- Many export formats
Watch out: only five free credits.
MacWhisper vs WhisperAPI FAQ
What is the difference between MacWhisper and WhisperAPI?
MacWhisper: Private on-device transcription for Mac using Whisper models. WhisperAPI: Pay-as-you-go transcription API and web app built on OpenAI Whisper. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is MacWhisper or WhisperAPI cheaper?
MacWhisper starts at See pricing page and WhisperAPI starts at $10 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MacWhisper and WhisperAPI have free plans?
MacWhisper: Yes. WhisperAPI: Yes.
Who makes MacWhisper?
MacWhisper is made by Jordi Bruin, based in Netherlands.
Who makes WhisperAPI?
WhisperAPI is made by WhisperAPI.
Which should I choose, MacWhisper or WhisperAPI?
Choose MacWhisper if you value audio never leaves your mac and one-time payment for pro. Choose WhisperAPI if you value no subscription; credits never expire and handles very large files.