kitio.aiWhisper vs Superwhisper
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Whisper is completely free, while Superwhisper is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Multilingual transcription
- Speech translation to English
- Several model sizes
- Command-line tool
- Python API
- Local Whisper dictation
- Cloud model option
- Custom AI modes
- File transcription
- Custom vocabulary
| Feature | Whisper | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | OpenAI's open-source speech recognition and translation model | AI dictation with local or cloud models and custom modes |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $8.49/mo |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | Yes |
| Made by | OpenAI | Superwhisper |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Whisper is completely free, while Superwhisper is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited dictation with local models
- Up to 2 modes
- Custom vocabulary
Pro
$8.49/mo
- Cloud models and AI processing
- File transcription
- All your devices
Pro Lifetime
$249.99 one-time
- Same features as Pro
- One-time purchase
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
Whisper
- Free under the MIT license
- Robust to accents and noise
- Huge ecosystem of tools
- No built-in speaker labels
- Large models need a GPU for speed
Superwhisper
- Works offline with local models
- Flexible custom modes
- Lifetime license option
- Settings can overwhelm new users
- Best features need Pro
Which one should you choose?
Choose Whisper if you want:
- Free under the MIT license
- Robust to accents and noise
- Huge ecosystem of tools
Watch out: no built-in speaker labels.
Choose Superwhisper if you want:
- Works offline with local models
- Flexible custom modes
- Lifetime license option
Watch out: settings can overwhelm new users.
Whisper vs Superwhisper FAQ
What is the difference between Whisper and Superwhisper?
Whisper: OpenAI's open-source speech recognition and translation model. Superwhisper: AI dictation with local or cloud models and custom modes. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is Whisper or Superwhisper cheaper?
Whisper is completely free, while Superwhisper is freemium.
Do Whisper and Superwhisper have free plans?
Whisper: Yes, fully free. Superwhisper: Yes.
Who makes Whisper?
Whisper is made by OpenAI, based in United States.
Who makes Superwhisper?
Superwhisper is made by Superwhisper.
Which should I choose, Whisper or Superwhisper?
Choose Whisper if you value free under the mit license and robust to accents and noise. Choose Superwhisper if you value works offline with local models and flexible custom modes.