Paraspeech vs. Superwhisper

Both apps offer local and cloud processing. Paraspeech provides shortcut-based dictation on Mac, plus apps for iPhone and iPad. Superwhisper offers a wider platform range and configurable modes, with a free local-dictation tier.

Prepared by the Paraspeech team. We sell one of the products compared. Superwhisper details come from the sources below, checked September 30, 2026. This is a feature comparison, not a measured accuracy or speed test. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Superwhisper.

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Compare what matters

Paraspeech and Superwhisper feature comparison
Area	Paraspeech	Superwhisper
Devices	Mac, iPhone and iPad.	Mac, Windows, iOS and Android are listed on the current download page. Features vary by platform.
Local transcription	Downloaded local speech models on supported Apple Silicon Macs. Intel Macs use cloud models with a subscription.	Local Whisper models are included in Free. Additional local and cloud models are available in Pro; model and hardware requirements differ.
Text rewriting	Separate from transcription. The direct Mac app supports local rewriting where a local rewrite model is available; cloud rewriting sends text to a provider.	Pro includes AI modes and model choices. Local S1-mini has narrower language and mode support than cloud models.
Workflow	Hold your shortcut, speak and release to dictate into editable Mac fields. Use the clipboard where insertion is unsupported. Audio-file transcription uses a downloaded local model; Meeting Mode is a separate recording workspace.	Dictation with configurable modes and instructions, optional selected-text or clipboard context, file and meeting workflows.
Free use	Free transcriptions before choosing a plan; a separate seven-day subscription trial is offered at checkout.	Free includes unlimited local Whisper dictation, vocabulary and replacements, and up to two modes without AI processing. Pro has a 3,000-word trial.
One-time purchase	Lifetime covers local features, twelve months of updates, and continued use of the last covered version. Cloud processing needs a subscription.	Pro has monthly, annual and Lifetime options. Check the current terms for model access and ongoing services.

Reasons to try Paraspeech

You want to dictate emails, notes and longer instructions into your Mac apps with a hold-to-talk shortcut. You want local models on Apple Silicon and understand that speech and rewriting have separate settings. Try the workflow with your own text before choosing a plan.

Reasons to try Superwhisper

You want its free local Whisper tier, customizable AI modes or model controls. You need Windows or Android, or want to explore its file, meeting, CLI or MCP workflows. Check the requirements for the particular platform and mode you intend to use.

What “local” means here

A local speech model does not make cloud rewriting or the app receiving your text local. Paraspeech requires macOS 14.0 or later; local Mac models require supported Apple Silicon hardware and an initial download. Cloud transcription sends audio to its provider; cloud rewriting sends text. Any cloud fallback you allow also needs internet. Accounts, purchases and other online services can use the network separately.

Superwhisper also distinguishes local and cloud speech and language models. Its local S1-mini language model currently supports English in Message and Mail modes, with other modes using different options. Neither app is an automatic privacy winner: choose and check the configuration you actually use.

Sources and dates

Paraspeech product facts were last verified 2026-07-27. See the review kit for their sources and the current plans. Competitor documentation was checked September 30, 2026; that date does not imply a new hands-on test of either app.