Local-first AI dictation app vs browser dictation
Dictaro vs Superwhisper: which should you use?
The short answer
Pick Superwhisper if Privacy matters and you want audio processed on your Mac, or you need a free plan, iPhone support, typing straight into other apps, offline dictation and audio file transcription.
Pick Dictaro if you want to start dictating in seconds without installing anything, or you want Windows support, Linux support, Android support, voice commands and no install.
Runs speech models on your own machine with customizable AI modes. Best on a recent Mac; Windows is still catching up and there's no Android or Linux.
Feature by feature
Checked October 29, 2026. Swipe sideways on a phone to see every app.
| Feature | DictaroOurs | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Free plan | LimitedFree trial: 30 minutes of dictation | YesFree plan with smaller local models |
| Paid plans | Pro $7.59/mo or $73/yr; $234 lifetime; Teams $6.09/user/mo | Free; Pro $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime |
| One-time option | Yes$234 once | Yes$249.99 once |
| Platforms | ||
| Mac | YesChrome, Edge or Safari | Yes |
| Windows | YesChrome or Edge | LimitedSome features still in development |
| Linux | YesChrome or Edge | No |
| iPhone | LimitedSafari support varies by iOS version | YesiPhone and iPad |
| Android | YesChrome | No |
| Dictation | ||
| Types into other apps | LimitedCopies to clipboard, sends to Gmail, Outlook, ChatGPT, Claude | Yes |
| Works offline | NoUses your browser's speech service | YesLocal by default |
| AI cleanup and rewriting | YesPolish, email, concise, bullets, AI prompt | YesCustom AI modes |
| Voice commands | YesSpoken punctuation, new line, scratch that | LimitedThrough custom modes |
| Transcribes audio files | NoLive dictation only | YesOn the Pro plan |
| Nothing to install | YesNothing to install | NoDesktop and iOS apps |
YesLimitedNo
Cost over time
The cheapest way to pay for each, at list prices.
| Cheapest paid path | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dictaro Pro | $73yearly | $219yearly | $234lifetime |
| Superwhisper | $84.99yearly | $249.99lifetime | $249.99lifetime |
Uses list prices in US dollars. Taxes, regional pricing and discounts not included.
Choose Superwhisper if
- Privacy matters and you want audio processed on your Mac
- You want custom AI modes for different kinds of writing
- You also transcribe audio files
Choose Dictaro if
- You want to start dictating in seconds without installing anything
- You switch between Mac, Windows, Linux and Android
- You want AI dictation for less than most subscriptions, with a lifetime option
Where Superwhisper falls short
- You use Android or Linux
- You're on an older or low-memory computer
- You want everything on Windows today
Where Dictaro falls short
- You need text to type straight into desktop apps
- You need offline dictation
- You transcribe recorded audio files
See if Dictaro is enough before you pay for Superwhisper.
Your first 30 minutes are free. No account, no card, nothing to install.
Dictaro vs Superwhisper questions
Is Superwhisper free?
Yes: Free plan with smaller local models. Dictaro has a 30-minute free trial, then Pro is $7.59 a month or $73 a year.
How much does Superwhisper cost in 2026?
Superwhisper costs Free, Pro $8.49/mo, $84.99/yr or $249.99 lifetime. Over three years the cheapest paid path is $249.99, compared with $219 for Dictaro Pro.
Does Superwhisper work on Linux and Android?
Linux: no. Android: no. Dictaro works in Chrome or Edge on both.
Does Superwhisper work offline?
Yes: Local by default. Dictaro needs a connection because it uses your browser's speech service.
Is Dictaro a good Superwhisper alternative?
It is if you want to start dictating in seconds without installing anything. Stay with Superwhisper if Privacy matters and you want audio processed on your Mac.
More comparisons
Sources we checked
- Superwhisper plans and billing (official docs)
- Superwhisper pricing 2026 (Weesper, June 2026)
- Voicy dictation app comparison table (updated Oct 21, 2026)
Dictaro is our product. We hold it to the same rows as every other app and list where it falls short. Prices change, so confirm on each vendor's site before you buy.