Local transcription tools for Mac
A factual comparison of Oriloq, MacWhisper, Superwhisper, and Apple Dictation for people choosing a local transcription tool on macOS. This page focuses on the buying decision; the Oriloq local transcription and Mac app pages explain how Oriloq works.
Choose, don't browse
You already know you want transcription on a Mac and you want to keep processing local where possible. The question is which tool fits your workflow. This page compares four options on the facts that change the decision: what the tool is for, where processing happens, how pricing works, and whether it handles audio and video files.
Related pages
The four options
Mac app for dictation in any app, audio and video transcription, and Smart Actions. Local by default.
Mac app for local audio and video transcription. System-wide dictation is available in the direct-download version. Free version and a paid Pro license.
Mac dictation app with local and cloud models, custom modes, and a free tier plus Pro or lifetime licenses.
Built into macOS for entering text by voice in apps. Included with the system; not a file transcription workspace.
Factual comparison
| Criterion | Oriloq | MacWhisper | Superwhisper | Apple Dictation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Dictation in any app, audio/video files, Smart Actions | Audio/video files and system-wide dictation (direct version) | Voice-to-text dictation and custom modes | Text entry by voice in macOS apps |
| Processing location | On your Mac by default | On your Mac with local Whisper models | Local or cloud, depending on the selected model | On-device or on Siri servers, depending on the Mac, language and settings |
| Pricing model | Free local transcription | Free version; Pro one-time purchase | Free tier; Pro or lifetime license | Included with macOS |
| Audio and video files | Yes, locally | Yes | Yes, with Pro | No — dictation writes text into apps |
| Offline use | Yes, after the local model download | Yes, with local models | Yes, with local models | Depends on the language and macOS configuration |
How to choose
You want dictation in any Mac app, local audio and video transcription, offline use, and voice-triggered Smart Actions in one app.
You want local file transcription, system-wide dictation in the direct-download version, many export formats and a one-time Pro license.
You want to tune the voice stack, switch between local and cloud models, and use custom modes.
You only need built-in voice text entry in macOS apps and do not need file transcription, custom actions, or a separate transcription workspace.
Page scope
The concept and privacy model of on-device transcription: local AI transcription.
Oriloq's features, dictation, files, and offline behavior: Mac transcription app.
The local alternative angle for cloud meeting transcription: Oriloq vs Otter.ai.
This page compares four local tools. For a deeper comparison focused on offline operation, see offline transcription on Mac.
FAQ
A local transcription tool processes speech on your Mac instead of sending audio to a remote service. Oriloq, MacWhisper, and Superwhisper can run local models; Apple Dictation can process general dictation on-device or on Siri servers depending on the Mac, language and settings. Each tool has different file support and pricing.
Oriloq and MacWhisper transcribe audio and video files according to their official pages. Superwhisper includes file transcription with Pro. Apple Dictation is designed for entering text by voice in apps, not for transcribing a media library.
Oriloq's free plan includes unlimited local transcription. MacWhisper offers a free version with a paid Pro license, Superwhisper has a free tier plus Pro or lifetime licenses, and Apple Dictation is included with macOS. Check each vendor's current terms before relying on a free tier.
Sources
Verified 19 October 2026
The table summarizes what each vendor documents on the pages below. Features and prices can change; check the official pages before buying.
Oriloq combines local dictation, audio and video transcription, and Smart Actions in one Mac app.
Read the local AI transcription page for the privacy model, or the Mac transcription app page for the feature set.