TypeWhisper

Open-source dictation app that turns speech into text with local or cloud models and pastes it anywhere.

Open sourceAI meeting assistants and transcription tools

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About TypeWhisper

TypeWhisper is a system-wide dictation app: hold or tap a hotkey, speak, and the transcribed text is pasted into whatever app you are using. Its main draw is choice of engine. You can keep everything on the Mac with local models such as WhisperKit or Parakeet, or plug in your own API key for cloud services like Groq or OpenAI when speed matters more than privacy. After transcription, reusable workflows can pass the text through an LLM to clean it up, translate it or reformat it, and those can also run locally on Apple silicon. It also transcribes audio and video files and exports subtitles. The Mac app is the most complete; the project also offers Windows and iOS versions. The code is GPL-3.0 and free to use, with a commercial licence offered separately and optional supporter perks. It needs macOS 14 or later.

Best for: Privacy-minded Mac users who want free, local dictation with the option to bring their own cloud API..

What works

Free and open source under GPL-3.0
Runs fully on-device with local speech models
Wide choice of local and cloud engines with your own API keys
LLM workflows to clean up or translate dictated text

Why people leave

Many engines and settings can overwhelm someone who just wants to dictate
Cloud engines need your own API keys and accounts
Local models need a recent Mac and plenty of RAM for the larger ones
Not built for recording and summarising meetings

Top TypeWhisper alternatives

See all 6

1
Superwhisper
Polished paid Mac dictation app with local and cloud models and custom modes, if you'd rather not tinker.
68.8
2
MacWhisper
Strong for transcribing audio files and meetings on-device, with a one-time Pro upgrade.
64.8
3
Wispr Flow
Cloud dictation that edits as you speak and syncs across Mac, Windows and iPhone, for a subscription.
61.8
4
VoiceInk
Low-cost, open-source Mac dictation that also runs locally, with a simpler feature set.
59.4
5
Handy
Free, open-source and minimal: press a key, speak, and it pastes, on Mac, Windows and Linux.
57.5

Why people left TypeWhisper

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TypeWhisper: common questions

Is TypeWhisper free?

Yes. TypeWhisper is free, open-source software.

Is TypeWhisper open source?

No, TypeWhisper is not open source. Open-source alternatives include VoiceInk and Handy.

What platforms does TypeWhisper run on?

TypeWhisper is available for macOS, Windows and iOS.

What are the best alternatives to TypeWhisper?

The highest-ranked TypeWhisper alternatives right now are Superwhisper, MacWhisper and Wispr Flow. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 TypeWhisper alternatives

TypeWhisper facts

5 of 5 verified

License: GPL-3.0; Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: GPL-3.0 (GNU General Public License v3.0).”
Requirements: macOS 14 or later; Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “System Requirements macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later”
Offline mode: Yes, local models; Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Keep audio on your Mac with a local engine”
Cloud engines: Groq, OpenAI, xAI; Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Transcribe audio using on-device AI models or cloud APIs (Groq, OpenAI, xAI/Grok), then transform the result with reusable workflows.”
Commercial licence: Available; Checked Oct 29, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Commercial licensing available - see LICENSE-COMMERCIAL.md .”