Free, open-source Mac dictation · premium optional
Plainsay vs Superwhisper
Both Plainsay and Superwhisper offer local speech recognition. Plainsay’s free Mac client includes Whisper and Parakeet; Superwhisper combines a free tier with paid models and configurable workflows. Start with what you actually need to dictate.
Reviewed September 5, 2026 · Published by the Plainsay team
Try Plainsay free ↓A focused free app, or more configurable modes?
| What matters | Plainsay | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Free local models | Whisper and Parakeet, with no account or usage quota. | The model catalog lists Fast, Nano, and Standard as free. Source |
| Paid option | Optional Cloud: US$4/month or US$40/year, VAT included. | Pro guide: US$8.49/month, US$84.99/year, or US$249.99 once. Source |
| Writing workflow | Dictation, optional Polishing, and reviewed edits with a configured provider. | Pro includes custom modes and AI-powered modes. Source |
| Devices | Released Mac app: macOS 14+, Apple silicon. | Pro licensing covers Mac, Windows, iPhone, and iPad. Source |
Prices are the listed currencies, not currency-converted equivalents. Offers and taxes can vary; check the vendor’s checkout. Plainsay facts describe the released Mac app, not unreleased work.
When Plainsay makes sense
Choose Plainsay when you want local dictation with straightforward controls and source code you can read. Free Local mode includes a vocabulary, transcript history, and optional voice filtering. You can add an editing provider when you want rewrites, without making the everyday dictation workflow depend on a subscription.
When Superwhisper may suit you better
Consider Superwhisper if you want to configure different writing modes or use one Pro license across several device types. Its Pro guide describes custom modes and advanced features. Superwhisper Pro guide
Check the free model list before choosing
Superwhisper’s official pages currently differ: its model catalog identifies free on-device Whisper models, while the Pro comparison table marks local models as Pro-only. We use the catalog for the named models above. Confirm availability in the app before purchasing. Model catalog · Pro comparison
Questions before switching
Do I need Plainsay Cloud to use Parakeet?
No. Parakeet is included in free Local mode. You download the model and run speech recognition on your Mac.
Which app is more accurate?
We have not run a controlled head-to-head test for this comparison. Try the same short samples in both apps, using your microphone, languages, and normal writing destinations.
Try it with your own words
Download Plainsay for an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later. Choose Local during setup, download a speech model, and dictate a few sentences in your normal apps. Review names, punctuation, and insertion behavior. No payment card or Cloud subscription is needed.
This is a comparison of documented features, not a controlled accuracy or speed benchmark. The recommendations are our editorial assessment. We do not claim Plainsay wins every workload.
Sources and review date
Official pages checked on September 5, 2026. Features and plans can change.
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- Plainsay vs Apple DictationTry the built-in option. Add more control if you need it.