TypeAloud vs MacWhisper
A MacWhisper alternative
for typing with your voice.
MacWhisper is one of the best apps for turning a recording into a transcript. If what you actually want is to speak and have text appear in the app you are using, like a keyboard, TypeAloud is built for that, and it is free.
TypeAloud and MacWhisper compared
| TypeAloud | MacWhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Dictating into the app you are using | Transcribing audio and video files, and meetings |
| Price | Free | Free version; Pro €64 one-time |
| System-wide dictation | Included: hold Ctrl+Shift, release, text at your cursor | Pro: a shortcut opens a floating window; the transcript can be copied to the clipboard |
| Local speech model | Qwen3-ASR 0.6B, or 1.7B as an option | Whisper and Parakeet models |
| Source code | Open source (GPL-3.0) | Closed source |
| Subtitles and speaker labels | No | Yes |
| Platforms | macOS; Windows and Linux builds are experimental | macOS, plus an iOS app |
Competitor details checked on 25 Oct 2026 against macwhisper.com, docs.macwhisper.com. Prices and limits change; the official pages are authoritative.
A transcription tool and an input method feel different
MacWhisper's home screen is a drop zone for files. Its dictation feature, called Global, opens a separate window over your apps; you record there, and the result can be copied for you to paste.
TypeAloud has no window to manage while you dictate. Hold Ctrl+Shift where you are writing, speak, release, and the text is inserted at the cursor. A small prompt with a waveform shows it is listening. Double-tap the shortcut to record hands-free.
Free, with nothing behind a paywall
In MacWhisper, system-wide dictation is a Pro feature. TypeAloud's whole app is free: the larger 1.7B model, the dictionary and automatic replacements, and History with retry for failed transcriptions are all in the same download.
Where MacWhisper is the better choice
For recordings, MacWhisper wins clearly. It batch-transcribes audio and video, labels speakers, records Zoom and Teams calls, and exports SRT, VTT, DOCX and more. TypeAloud does none of that.
Plenty of people use both: MacWhisper for files, and a dictation app for everyday writing.
Common questions
- Can MacWhisper type into other apps?
- Its Global feature, part of Pro, transcribes from a floating window that works over other apps, and can copy the result to your clipboard. It is a transcription window rather than an input method.
- Can TypeAloud transcribe audio files?
- No. TypeAloud is for live dictation. For files, MacWhisper is the better tool.
- Is TypeAloud really free?
- Yes. Local transcription needs no account, API key or subscription, and there is no word limit. Cloud transcription is optional and uses your own Groq or OpenAI key, which those providers may charge for.
- Which Macs can run it?
- Apple Silicon is recommended for local dictation. The recommended model is a one-time download of about 1 GB.
- MacWhisper or Superwhisper?
- MacWhisper for recordings, Superwhisper for dictation. The Superwhisper vs MacWhisper page goes through the differences.
Local transcription. No account. No subscription.
Download for Mac