OpenWhispr
Open-source dictation with free local models and meeting notes
Our verdict
Third of our top three voice dictation apps
For: Linux users, and anyone who wants open-source software
OpenWhispr is open source and runs on Linux as well as Mac and Windows, where neither app above has a Linux version. Its free plan gives unlimited dictation with local Whisper and Parakeet models, which work offline, plus 2,000 OpenWhispr Cloud words a week and 5 hours of meeting recordings a month, captured without a bot joining the call. Pro is $6.67 per user a month, billed annually at $80, or $8 billed monthly, less than either app above. It is third because it reaches fewer phones than Superwhisper: the iPhone and iPad app starts on Pro, as does device sync, and no Android app is listed. Local model speed depends on your hardware, and cloud processing needs an internet connection.
See all three and how we rankWhat is OpenWhispr?
OpenWhispr is an open-source voice-to-text app for macOS, Windows and Linux, with an iPhone and iPad app on paid plans. Dictation with local Whisper and Parakeet models is free and unlimited, and cloud transcription comes from the company's OpenWhispr Cloud or your own API keys. It also takes meeting notes without a bot joining the call and transcribes uploaded audio files into notes.
OpenWhispr has a free plan. Paid plans start at $6.67 per user / month, billed annually at $80 ($8 billed monthly). See every plan
Good for
- Open-source dictation on Mac, Windows or Linux
- Unlimited free local transcription with a paid cloud option
- Teams that need SSO, audit logs and compliance documents
Worth knowing
- The Free plan caps OpenWhispr Cloud at 2,000 words a week and meeting recordings at 5 hours a month.
- The iPhone and iPad app, device sync, Agent mode and API and MCP access all start on Pro.
- Chat over your data needs Business, and SSO, SCIM and audit logs are limited to Enterprise.
- Local model speed depends on your hardware, and cloud processing needs an internet connection.
Key features
- Dictation in any app
- Press a hotkey, speak, and the text appears at the cursor in any application on macOS, Windows or Linux, in 100+ languages with auto-detection.
- Local models or cloud
- Whisper and NVIDIA Parakeet models run on the device for free and work offline. Cloud processing uses OpenWhispr Cloud or your own OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini or Groq keys.
- Bot-free meeting notes
- Captures the computer's audio during a Zoom, Google Meet or Teams call without a bot joining, then turns your rough notes and the transcript into decisions and action items.
- Audio file transcription
- Drop in MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC and other audio files to get a transcript, processed on the device by default, then summarize it or extract action items.
- Voice instructions and Agent mode
- Spoken instructions such as "clean this up" or "draft an email to Mike" rewrite or generate text. Agent mode is included from the Pro plan.
- Custom dictionary
- Add names, jargon and technical terms the models tend to miss. The dictionary also learns new words from the corrections you make.
OpenWhispr pricing
- Starts at
- $6.67 per user / month, billed annually at $80 ($8 billed monthly)
- Free plan
- Unlimited local dictation and unlimited cloud transcription with your own API keys, plus 2,000 OpenWhispr Cloud words a week and 5 hours of meeting recordings a month.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited local models and your own API keys, 2,000 OpenWhispr Cloud words a week, 5 hours of meeting recordings a month and a custom dictionary. |
| Pro | $6.67per user / month, billed annually ($80), or $8 billed monthly | Unlimited cloud transcription, Agent mode, 20 hours of meeting recordings a month, device sync, API and MCP access, and the iPhone and iPad app. |
| Business | $13.33per user / month, billed annually ($160), or $16 billed monthly | Everything in Pro plus unlimited meeting recordings, chat over your data, basic team management and priority support. |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO and SAML, SCIM provisioning, audit logs, org-wide retention controls, custom data processing agreements and dedicated support. |
Read from openwhispr.com on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with OpenWhispr before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- Annual discount2 months free with annual billing
Pro is $80 a year against $8 a month, and Business is $160 per user a year against $16 a month.
Stated on openwhispr.com - Education40% off for 12 months for students and teachers
People using OpenWhispr for their studies or classroom get 40% off for 12 months by emailing support with proof of status. The same offer covers military service and assistive use.
Stated on openwhispr.com - Nonprofit40% off for 12 months for non-profits
Non-profit work qualifies for 40% off for 12 months. Email support with proof of status to receive a personal code.
Stated on openwhispr.com
Works with
OpenWhispr alternatives
- OpenWhispr vs Wispr Flow
Free plan · from $12/mo
- OpenWhispr vs Superwhisper
Free plan · from $8.49/mo
- OpenWhispr vs VoiceInk
Free trial · from $25 one-time
- OpenWhispr vs Spokenly
Free plan · from $8.33/mo
Common questions
Is OpenWhispr free?
OpenWhispr has a free plan. Unlimited local dictation and unlimited cloud transcription with your own API keys, plus 2,000 OpenWhispr Cloud words a week and 5 hours of meeting recordings a month. Paid plans start at $6.67 per user / month, billed annually at $80 ($8 billed monthly).
How much does OpenWhispr cost?
OpenWhispr lists 4 plans. Free: $0. Pro: $6.67 per user / month, billed annually ($80), or $8 billed monthly. Business: $13.33 per user / month, billed annually ($160), or $16 billed monthly. Enterprise: custom pricing. Prices were read from openwhispr.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What platforms does OpenWhispr work on?
OpenWhispr is available on macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.
Does OpenWhispr offer any discounts?
OpenWhispr publicly lists the following: 2 months free with annual billing; 40% off for 12 months for students and teachers; 40% off for 12 months for non-profits.
Does OpenWhispr have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. OpenWhispr is listed for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.
Is OpenWhispr open source?
Yes. OpenWhispr is open source, according to its own site.
Does OpenWhispr work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
Does OpenWhispr have an API?
Yes. OpenWhispr offers a public API, according to its own site.
What does OpenWhispr integrate with?
OpenWhispr's listing names OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, Groq, Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Does OpenWhispr have a student discount?
40% off for 12 months for students and teachers. People using OpenWhispr for their studies or classroom get 40% off for 12 months by emailing support with proof of status. The same offer covers military service and assistive use.
Who makes OpenWhispr?
OpenWhispr is made by Gizmo Labs Inc.
What are the alternatives to OpenWhispr?
The closest alternatives to OpenWhispr in our directory are Wispr Flow, Superwhisper, Handy, VoiceInk and Spokenly. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with OpenWhispr.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026.