Handy
Focus: local ai. Shares speech to text and dictation with OpenWhispr. Rated 4.7 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreeWindows, macOS
4.7Visit
Desktop App
OpenWhispr
Dictate text anywhere on your computer with private speech-to-text.
Rating
4.5 / 5
Pricing
Free
Difficulty
Beginner
Works on
Windows, macOS, Linux
Built with love by Shushant Lakhyani. Building bestproductivityresources.com
What is OpenWhispr?
OpenWhispr is a free, open-source dictation app that turns your voice into text in any app with a hotkey. Run speech models such as Whisper and Parakeet locally for privacy, or use your own API key for cloud models, and let optional AI clean-up tidy your words as you go.
Third-party open-source projects. We are not affiliated with their authors; repositories are provided as-is by their maintainers. Review each project's license, code and security before installing. See our Disclaimer.
Pros: what OpenWhispr does well
- Works in any app with a hotkey
- Local models keep audio private
- Free and open source
Cons: where it falls short
- Cloud models need your own API key
- Local models need a capable computer
Who OpenWhispr is for
People who type a lot and would rather speak their emails, notes and messages.
Who can skip it
Anyone happy with their system's built-in dictation.
OpenWhispr alternatives
Not sold on OpenWhispr? These do a similar job, and each card says what it has in common.
Blurt
Focus: macos and accessibility. Shares dictation and speech to text with OpenWhispr. A Mac app, not a desktop app. Rated 4.4 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Mac AppFreemacOS
4.4Visit
whisper.cpp
Focus: transcription and local ai. Shares speech to text and open source with OpenWhispr. An AI tool, not a desktop app. Adds Offline. Rated 4.7 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
AI ToolFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Vibe
Focus: transcription and local ai. Shares speech to text and open source with OpenWhispr. An AI tool, not a desktop app. Adds Offline. Rated 4.6 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
AI ToolFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
Stop Slop
Focus: writing, ai and editing. Shares open source with OpenWhispr. An AI tool, not a desktop app. Rated 4.8 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
AI ToolFreeCross-Platform
4.8Visit
MuseScore Studio
Focus: music notation, sheet music and composition. Shares open source and github with OpenWhispr. Rated 4.7 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.7Visit
Free alternatives to OpenWhispr
Want to spend nothing? These free picks cover similar ground.
Prompt Master
Focus: prompt engineering, claude and skill. Shares open source with OpenWhispr. An AI tool, not a desktop app. Adds Web. Rated 4.7 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
AI ToolFreeWeb, Cross-Platform
4.7Visit
micro
Focus: text editor, terminal and ssh. Shares open source and github with OpenWhispr. Rated 4.6 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
VSCodium
Focus: code editor, vs code and privacy. Shares open source and github with OpenWhispr. Adds Offline. Rated 4.6 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.6Visit
Buzz
Focus: transcription, offline and otter alternative. Shares whisper and open source with OpenWhispr. Same 4.5 rating.
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.5Visit
Lapce
Focus: code editor, rust and plugins. Shares open source and github with OpenWhispr. Rated 4.4 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.4Visit
Token Monitor
Focus: token usage, ai coding and cost tracking. Shares open source and github with OpenWhispr. Rated 4.4 (OpenWhispr: 4.5).
Desktop AppFreemacOS, Windows
4.4Visit
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