Whispering
Open-source push-to-talk transcription app that uses your own API keys or local models.
- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Whispering
Whispering is an open-source speech-to-text app from the Epicenter project. Press a keyboard shortcut, speak, and the transcribed text is pasted wherever your cursor is. Rather than reselling transcription, it sends audio straight to the provider you pick with your own API key: Groq, OpenAI's Whisper or ElevenLabs in the cloud, or Speaches running locally for fully offline use. Recordings are stored on your device and there is no middle server. Optional AI steps can clean up grammar or reformat the text. The app is free under the AGPL; your only cost is whatever the provider charges, which for light use is often pennies or nothing. It has desktop builds for macOS (Apple Silicon only), Windows and Linux, plus a browser version. It is built for short dictation, not long meeting recordings.
Best for: People who want shortcut-driven dictation and would rather pay transcription providers directly.
Pros and cons
What works
- Free and open source, with no subscription
- Bring your own key for Groq, OpenAI or ElevenLabs
- Fully local option through Speaches
- Desktop apps for all three systems plus a web version
Why people leave
- Mac build is Apple Silicon only
- Not designed for long recordings or meetings
- Setting up API keys or a local server takes some effort
Top Whispering alternatives
See all 5- 1
Handy68.8Also free and open source, but runs Whisper models locally with no API keys to manage.
- 2
Superwhisper64.8Polished paid Mac dictation app with local and cloud models and custom modes.
- 3
MacWhisper61.8Mac app focused on local Whisper transcription, including long audio files.
- 4
VoiceInk59.4Mac dictation that runs models on-device and is open source with a paid licence.
- 5
Wispr Flow57.5Subscription dictation with AI formatting and mobile apps if you'd rather skip setup.
Why people left Whispering
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Whispering, review the app you switched to and tell us why.
Reviews
No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers
Write a review of Whispering
Whispering: common questions
Is Whispering free?
Yes. Whispering is free, open-source software.
Is Whispering open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at EpicenterHQ/epicenter.
What platforms does Whispering run on?
Whispering is available for macOS, Windows, Linux and Web.
What are the best alternatives to Whispering?
The highest-ranked Whispering alternatives right now are Handy, Superwhisper and MacWhisper. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.