Compare Retext and MacWhisper side-by-side. See which dictation app is the best fit for your workflow.
Choose Retext if you want on-device transcription by default, push-to-talk on one key, and snippets and dictation in one app.
Choose MacWhisper if you need transcribing interviews, podcasts and recordings.
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.
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.
Pricing:
Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page.
Free tier: Dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets
Runs on: Mac
Best for:
Mac transcription app from Good Snooze that turns audio, video and meetings into text on your Mac, with system-wide dictation on top
Pricing:
Pro €64 one-time (listed in euros), with lifetime updates; also sold through the App Store
Free tier: Free forever, with file transcription, .srt/.vtt and .txt export, and system-wide dictation
Runs on: Mac
Best for:
| 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 |
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.
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.
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 runs on Mac. Retext runs on Mac.
MacWhisper is the better fit for transcribing interviews, podcasts and recordings, making subtitles for video and keeping recordings and transcripts on your Mac. Choose Retext if you want transcription on your Mac by default.
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.