Looking for the best voice-to-text app for your Mac? We tested the top dictation and transcription apps to help you find the right fit. Whether you need real-time dictation, audio file transcription, or offline privacy, this guide covers everything.
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Processing | Accuracy | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voicci | Local (Whisper) | 95-98% | $29 one-time | Privacy-focused users |
| SuperWhisper | Local (Whisper) | 95-98% | $10/month | Power users |
| Mac Dictation | Cloud (Apple) | 85-92% | Free | Basic use |
| Otter.ai | Cloud | 90-95% | $16.99/month | Meeting transcription |
| Whisper Transcription | Local (Whisper) | 95-98% | $5 one-time | Audio file transcription |
Top Picks by Use Case
Best Overall: Voicci
For most Mac users, Voicci offers the best combination of accuracy, privacy, and value. It uses OpenAI's Whisper model locally, so your voice never leaves your Mac. One-time purchase means no subscription fatigue.
- Best for Privacy: Voicci — 100% local processing, no internet required
- Best Free Option: Mac Dictation — Built-in, decent for short text
- Best for Meetings: Otter.ai — Designed for meeting transcription
- Best for Audio Files: Whisper Transcription — Batch transcription focus
- Best for Power Users: SuperWhisper — Most customization options
Detailed Reviews
Voicci
Voicci runs OpenAI's Whisper model entirely on your Mac. This means your audio is processed locally—nothing is sent to any server. It's ideal for anyone handling sensitive information or who simply values privacy.
Key Features: System-wide dictation, multiple Whisper model sizes, works offline, one-time purchase.
Pros
- Complete privacy (local processing)
- Works without internet
- One-time $29 purchase
- Excellent accuracy with Whisper
- Native Apple Silicon support
Cons
- Mac only (no Windows/iOS)
- Requires decent Mac for larger models
- No meeting-specific features
SuperWhisper
Another excellent Whisper-based app with more customization options. SuperWhisper offers features like custom prompts, multiple output formats, and workflow automation.
Key Features: Custom AI prompts, workflow integration, multiple output modes.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Local processing available
- AI enhancement features
- Active development
Cons
- $10/month subscription
- Can feel complex for simple dictation
- Some features need cloud
Mac Dictation (Built-in)
Apple's built-in dictation is free and works reasonably well for short bursts of text. Enable it in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation.
Key Features: Free, system-wide, voice commands for editing.
Pros
- Completely free
- No installation needed
- Works in any app
- Basic offline mode available
Cons
- Lower accuracy than Whisper
- Struggles with accents
- Limited punctuation handling
- Often requires internet
Otter.ai
Otter is built for meeting transcription. It can join Zoom calls, identify speakers, and create searchable transcripts. Less suited for general dictation.
Key Features: Meeting bot, speaker identification, AI summaries.
Pros
- Excellent for meetings
- Speaker identification
- AI-powered summaries
- Searchable transcripts
Cons
- $16.99/month for full features
- Requires internet (cloud-based)
- Not ideal for dictation workflow
- Privacy concerns (audio sent to cloud)
How We Tested
We evaluated each app on a 2023 MacBook Pro (M3 Pro) with the following criteria:
- Accuracy: Transcribed the same 5-minute audio clips across all apps
- Speed: Measured real-time factor (how fast it transcribes vs. audio length)
- Privacy: Verified whether audio is processed locally or sent to servers
- Ease of use: Evaluated setup process and daily workflow
- Value: Considered price relative to features and use frequency
Final Verdict
For most Mac users, we recommend Voicci. It provides Whisper-level accuracy without sending your voice to the cloud, and the one-time purchase is significantly cheaper than subscription alternatives over time.
If you primarily need meeting transcription with speaker labels, Otter.ai is worth considering despite the subscription cost. And if you just need occasional quick dictation, Mac's built-in Dictation is free and adequate.
The bottom line: in 2025, there's no reason to settle for mediocre transcription or pay monthly fees for something that can run locally on your Mac.
Experience Fast, Private Voice-to-Text
Voicci runs Whisper AI locally on your Mac for instant, offline transcription with complete privacy.
Try Voicci Free