1Our pick · The all-in-one local AI assistant
Typilot.
The only entry on this list that does voice plus typing, polish, meetings, notes, and 27 inline AI commands - all locally, on macOS, Windows, and Linux. No cloud round-trip. Lifetime license option. Disclosure: we built it - that is why it is at the top.
2
Typilot
Local Whisper dictation plus 27 AI keyboard commands, meeting transcription, and autocomplete - macOS, Windows, Linux.
Pros
- +Selectable Whisper models (tiny to large) - trade speed vs. accuracy vs. RAM on your hardware
- +27 keyboard-triggered AI commands work in any app without voice input
- +On-device meeting transcription with speaker diarization ships today (not beta)
- +Runs natively on macOS, Windows, and Linux
- +Ghost-text autocomplete via local Ollama in any text field
- +3-day full-feature trial with no transcription cap
Cons
- −Requires Ollama installed for AI command and autocomplete features
- −More setup than SpeakMac - Ollama model management is an extra step
- −No built-in snippet library or regex output cleanup rules
- −$7.99/mo or $199 lifetime - higher entry price than SpeakMac's $29 one-time
3
Spokenly
Free unlimited local dictation on Mac, Windows, and iPhone with no account required.
Pros
- +Free tier is unlimited with no word or transcription cap
- +Available on macOS, Windows, and iPhone
- +Fully local on-device Whisper with no audio upload
- +Auto-punctuation and custom vocabulary included
- +No account required on the free tier
Cons
- −No keyboard AI command layer - pure dictation only
- −No meeting transcription or speaker diarization
- −No ghost-text autocomplete
- −Advanced features locked behind paid plan
4
Superwhisper
Mac and Windows Whisper dictation with selectable model sizes, AI post-processing, and an iOS app.
Pros
- +Selectable Whisper models from tiny to large for speed vs. accuracy tradeoffs
- +AI post-processing cleans and reformats transcriptions
- +iOS companion app with on-device Whisper
- +Available on macOS and Windows
- +Per-app mode profiles for context-aware transcription
Cons
- −No Linux support
- −$249 lifetime is higher than SpeakMac's $29
- −No keyboard AI command layer or meeting transcription with diarization
- −No ghost-text autocomplete
5
Handy
Free MIT open-source dictation running Whisper and Parakeet on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Pros
- +Completely free - MIT open-source with no paid tier or word cap
- +Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux
- +Supports both Whisper and Parakeet ASR engines
- +No account or network connection required - fully local
- +Auditable and modifiable source code
Cons
- −No built-in snippet library, regex cleanup rules, or AI command layer
- −Minimal UI - fewer convenience features than SpeakMac or Typilot
- −No meeting transcription or autocomplete
- −Community support only, no commercial backing
6
Dictato
Mac-only one-time-purchase dictation with four selectable ASR engines including local Whisper.
Pros
- +Four selectable ASR engines including local Whisper and Apple Speech
- +€19.99 one-time - comparable to SpeakMac's $29
- +Custom dictionary and auto-punctuation included
- +Multiple configurable hotkeys
- +Local-only modes keep audio on-device
Cons
- −macOS-only with no Windows or Linux build
- −API engines (OpenAI, AssemblyAI) send audio to the cloud
- −No keyboard AI command layer or meeting transcription
- −No autocomplete or snippet layer
7
Murmur
Windows and Mac local Whisper dictation with AI cleanup and a lifetime licence.
Pros
- +Native Windows and Mac support
- +€39.97 lifetime - no subscription
- +AI cleanup pass rewrites and formats transcribed text
- +Custom vocabulary and auto-punctuation
- +Local Whisper keeps audio on-device
Cons
- −No Linux support
- −No keyboard AI command layer or meeting transcription with diarization
- −No ghost-text autocomplete
- −Smaller community and fewer integrations than top-tier alternatives
8
OpenWhispr
Cross-platform local Whisper dictation with meeting transcription and speaker diarization shipping today.
Pros
- +Meeting transcription with speaker diarization ships today (not beta)
- +Runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux
- +Free tier available with no credit card required
- +Local Whisper keeps audio on-device on local plan
- +Selectable Whisper model sizes
Cons
- −Free tier has feature limitations
- −$8/month subscription for full features (or one-time purchase)
- −No keyboard AI command layer or ghost-text autocomplete
- −No built-in snippet or regex cleanup layer