Retext

Superwhisper vs VoiceInk: Complete Comparison

Compare Superwhisper and VoiceInk side-by-side to find the best dictation app for your needs.

TL;DR

Superwhisper is best for control over which speech and AI models run, while VoiceInk is better for local, private dictation with a one-time price.

Neither quite right? Consider Retext for on-device dictation and snippets in one Mac app.

Quick Comparison

Superwhisper

Dictation app with a choice of local or cloud models and customizable AI modes

Pricing:

Pro $8.49/month, $84.99/year, or $249.99 lifetime; one license covers all your devices

Free tier: Unlimited dictation with local models, up to 2 modes without AI

Runs on: Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android

Best for:

  • • Control over which speech and AI models run
  • • Free, unlimited local dictation
  • • Custom AI modes for different kinds of writing

VoiceInk

Open-source, local-first dictation app for Mac that you buy once

Pricing:

One-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates

Free tier: Free trial; source code is free to build yourself

Runs on: Mac and iPhone

Best for:

  • • Local, private dictation with a one-time price
  • • Source code you can read or build
  • • A simple dictation app for one Mac

Feature Comparison

FeatureSuperwhisperVoiceInk
Voice Dictation
AI Cleanup & Rewriting
Audio File Transcription
Privacy & Local Storage
Snippet Expansion
Team Sharing
Not available
Cross-Platform

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelPriceFree Tier
SuperwhisperFreemiumPro $8.49/month, $84.99/year, or $249.99 lifetime; one license covers all your devices
Unlimited dictation with local models, up to 2 modes without AI
VoiceInkOne-TimeOne-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates
Free trial; source code is free to build yourself

Pros and Cons

Superwhisper

Strengths

  • Free plan with unlimited local dictation
  • Pick from local and cloud models, or bring your own API key
  • Custom AI modes for messages, email and more
  • Custom vocabulary and text replacements
  • Lifetime license option

Weaknesses

  • AI modes and cloud models need Pro
  • Many settings to learn
  • No built-in export for vocabulary
  • File transcription and meetings need Pro
  • Offline models run best on Apple silicon

VoiceInk

Strengths

  • Transcribes on your Mac; voice data never leaves it
  • Open source under GPL-3.0
  • One-time purchase, no subscription
  • Custom words and Smart Replace
  • Rewrite selected text with a spoken instruction

Weaknesses

  • Apple silicon Macs only, macOS 14.4 or later
  • No team plan
  • Paid license is per Mac
  • AI enhancement needs a cloud provider

When to Choose Each

Choose Superwhisper if you:

  • •Need control over which speech and AI models run
  • •Need free, unlimited local dictation
  • •Need custom AI modes for different kinds of writing
  • •Need transcribing files and meetings next to dictation
  • •Need dictation on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android

Choose VoiceInk if you:

  • •Need local, private dictation with a one-time price
  • •Need source code you can read or build
  • •Need a simple dictation app for one Mac
  • •Need transcribing audio files locally

Consider Retext Instead

If neither Superwhisper nor VoiceInk is quite right, Retext might be what you're looking for.

  • ✓Local by default - Apple's on-device speech engine on macOS 26
  • ✓Polish on your Mac (beta) - Verbatim, Clean, Email, Message or Notes
  • ✓Hands-free (beta) - Double-tap right Option (or right Shift, set in Settings); Esc stops
  • ✓Snippets included - A full text expander in the same app
Retext vs Superwhisper →Retext vs VoiceInk →

How It Works in Retext

Voice Dictation →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Superwhisper or VoiceInk?

Superwhisper is the better pick for control over which speech and AI models run and free, unlimited local dictation. VoiceInk is the better pick for local, private dictation with a one-time price and source code you can read or build.

How much do Superwhisper and VoiceInk cost?

Superwhisper: Pro $8.49/month, $84.99/year, or $249.99 lifetime; one license covers all your devices. VoiceInk: One-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates.

Is Superwhisper free?

Yes. Superwhisper's free option: unlimited dictation with local models, up to 2 modes without AI. Paid: Pro $8.49/month, $84.99/year, or $249.99 lifetime; one license covers all your devices.

Is VoiceInk free?

Yes. VoiceInk's free option: free trial; source code is free to build yourself. Paid: One-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates.

What do Superwhisper and VoiceInk run on?

Superwhisper runs on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android. VoiceInk runs on Mac and iPhone.

Is there an alternative to both Superwhisper and VoiceInk?

Retext, if you want on-device dictation next to your snippets. Native Mac text expander with built-in voice dictation. Hold right Option, speak, and your words land at the cursor, polished on your Mac (beta) if you like.

Ready to try Retext?

Download Retext, turn on Voice Dictation in Settings, and hold right Option to talk.

Download for MacView Pricing

Related Comparisons

Retext vs SuperwhisperRetext vs VoiceInkSuperwhisper AlternativeVoiceInk Alternative

Sources

Superwhisper, checked October 28, 2026: Superwhisper · Superwhisper plans · Superwhisper text replacements

VoiceInk, checked October 28, 2026: VoiceInk · VoiceInk file transcription · VoiceInk source code

Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.