Superquill vs Superwhisper
Superwhisper is the power-user's dictation app: you pick local or cloud models, bring your own API keys and write custom modes with your own prompts, and it runs offline on Apple Silicon. Superquill takes the opposite approach. Instead of asking you to configure modes, it uses context about your people, projects and the app you're in to turn natural speech into concise text and AI prompts. Choose Superwhisper if you enjoy tuning models and prompts or need offline use. Choose Superquill if you want good results without setup.
Superquill vs Superwhisper at a glance
| Feature | Superquill | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Not announced yet | Free; Pro $8.49/mo or $84.99/yr; lifetime option |
| Free option | Invite-only private beta | Free tier with local Whisper models; Pro trial for 3,000 words |
| Platforms | Mac (private beta) | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Where speech is processed | Privacy-first by design; full details published before launch | On-device or cloud, your choice |
| Languages | Not announced yet | 100+, with translation to English on Pro |
| Best for | Turning rambling speech into short, clear messages and AI prompts, using context about your people, projects and apps | Tinkerers who want to choose models, write custom modes and work offline |
What is Superwhisper?
Superwhisper is a highly configurable dictation app with local and cloud AI models. Here’s where it’s strongest:
- Runs offline with local models on Apple Silicon Macs.
- Custom modes let you write your own rules and prompts for each kind of writing.
- Bring your own API keys for cloud language models on Pro.
- Transcribes audio and video files and records meetings.
Things to consider
- Getting the best results means choosing models and writing mode prompts yourself.
- Offline models run well only on Apple Silicon; Intel Macs are better with cloud models.
- Many options can feel like a lot if you just want to talk and have it work.
What is Superquill?
Superquill is a voice-to-text app from the team behind Whispy. Hold a shortcut, speak naturally, release, and Superquill writes what you meant into the app you’re using, in fewer words. It uses context about your people, projects and way of saying things, so names come out right and a winding thought becomes a clear message or AI prompt. Superquill is in private beta.
You say“Okay, so, um, when someone starts typing, the results should narrow down as they go. Maybe above the table, I think, if that makes sense.”
Superquill writes“Add dashboard search with live filtering. Keep the search field above the table.”
When to choose Superwhisper
- You want to work fully offline.
- You like choosing between Whisper, Parakeet and cloud LLMs, or using your own API keys.
- You need file transcription or translation into English.
When to choose Superquill
- You'd rather not write prompts for your dictation app. Superquill adapts to the app you're in automatically.
- You think out loud and want the result to come out shorter and clearer than what you said, not just transcribed.
- You write a lot of prompts for ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor or other AI tools and want a winding thought turned into a precise instruction.
- You want dictation that knows the names, projects and phrasing you use, so “Sue Vaughn” comes out as “Siobhan.”
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Superwhisper and Superquill?
Superwhisper is highly configurable: you choose local or cloud models and write custom modes. Superquill is opinionated: it uses context about your people, projects and current app to turn natural speech into concise text and AI prompts without setup.
Does Superwhisper work offline?
Yes. Superwhisper can run local models with no internet connection; they work best on Apple Silicon Macs.
How much is Superwhisper Pro?
According to Superwhisper's documentation, Pro costs $8.49 per month or $84.99 per year, and a lifetime license is also offered. There is a free tier with local models.