Looking for a MacWhisper alternative? Retext adds on-device voice dictation to a native Mac text expander.
Retext is a good MacWhisper alternative if you want transcription on your Mac by default, push-to-talk on right Option, and your snippets in the same app.
MacWhisper is the stronger tool for transcribing files: batches, subtitles, speakers and meetings, all on your Mac. Retext doesn't import audio files. Retext is built for live dictation in any app, with push-to-talk on right Option, voice commands (beta) like "insert snippet", and a full text expander in the same app.
Local by default: your audio is transcribed on your Mac
No audio or transcripts are sent to Retext's server
Polish (beta) runs on your Mac with Apple Intelligence, never in the cloud
Hands-free mode (beta) pauses itself in password fields and password managers
Your text expander and your dictation in one app
| Feature | Retext | MacWhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Dictation | ||
| AI Cleanup & Rewriting | Beta | |
| Audio File Transcription | Not available | |
| Privacy & Local Storage | ||
| Snippet Expansion | Not available | |
| Team Sharing | Not available | |
| Cross-Platform |
| Product | Pricing Model | Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retext | Freemium | Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page. | Dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets |
| MacWhisper | One-Time | Pro €64 one-time (listed in euros), with lifetime updates; also sold through the App Store | Free forever, with file transcription, .srt/.vtt and .txt export, and system-wide dictation |
Migration difficulty: easy
MacWhisper has no snippets to move, and you can keep it for file transcription. Use Retext for dictation and snippets in any app, and add the words you rely on as snippets.
Retext adds on-device voice dictation to a native Mac text expander. MacWhisper is the stronger tool for transcribing files: batches, subtitles, speakers and meetings, all on your Mac. Retext doesn't import audio files. Retext is built for live dictation in any app, with push-to-talk on right Option, voice commands (beta) like "insert snippet", and a full text expander in the same app.
Most dictation and AI features sit behind Pro; The Gumroad and App Store versions differ; AI cleanup needs your own API keys or a local model.
Yes. MacWhisper's free option: free forever, with file transcription, .srt/.vtt and .txt export, and system-wide dictation. Paid: Pro €64 one-time (listed in euros), with lifetime updates; also sold through the App Store.
Yes. Retext's free plan includes dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets. Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page.
MacWhisper is the better choice for transcribing interviews, podcasts and recordings, making subtitles for video and keeping recordings and transcripts on your Mac.
MacWhisper has no snippets to move, and you can keep it for file transcription. Use Retext for dictation and snippets in any app, and add the words you rely on as snippets.
Download Retext, turn on Voice Dictation in Settings, and hold right Option to talk.
Sources
MacWhisper, checked October 28, 2026: MacWhisper features and pricing · MacWhisper on Gumroad
Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.