Best local & offline dictation apps for Mac
If you don't want your voice leaving your Mac, you want on-device transcription. The best local options are Relay (free during beta, simplest), Superwhisper (most configurable), VoiceInk (open-source), and Apple Dictation (built in). All run Whisper or Apple's model on-device and work offline.
Last updated . Prices and vendor claims come from the sources listed at the end of the page; re-check before purchase.
"Local" matters for two reasons: privacy (your audio is never uploaded) and reliability (it works on a plane, on bad Wi-Fi, anywhere). The popular cloud tools, Wispr Flow and Aqua Voice, can't offer either, because transcription happens on their servers. These on-device apps can.
The on-device options
Relay, simplest, free during beta
Local Whisper (whisper.cpp), works in any app, three modes, native app. Audio isn't retained. Free during beta. The easiest on-device tool to just install and use. vs Superwhisper
Superwhisper, most configurable
Full local Whisper model picker, custom modes, also handles file transcription. Free tier; $8.49/mo or $249.99 lifetime. One note for the privacy-minded: users report it saves dictation audio to a local folder by default, so switch that off in settings if you don't want recordings kept.
VoiceInk, open-source
GPLv3, on-device, $25-$49 one-time (or build from source). The most transparent option, you can read exactly what it does. Plainer UI; solo-developer project; some users report hallucinated or truncated text on short utterances (GitHub issues).
Apple Dictation, built in
On-device on Apple Silicon, free, no install. Good baseline for short dictation; limited formatting and no AI rewrite. vs Relay
Local vs cloud, at a glance
| Relay | On-device field | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio stays on your Mac | Relay, Superwhisper, VoiceInk, Apple | Wispr Flow, Aqua = uploaded |
| Works offline | Yes (all on-device apps) | Cloud apps = No |
| Price | Relay free beta; VoiceInk $25+; Apple free | Superwhisper $8.49/mo or $249 lifetime |
| Easiest to start | Relay, Apple Dictation | Others need more setup |
For the simplest free on-device experience, Relay; for power and control, Superwhisper; for open-source transparency, VoiceInk; for zero-install basics, Apple Dictation. None of them upload your voice.
Sources
- Superwhisper: pricing and platforms (superwhisper.com) (checked 2026-09-10)
- Superwhisper docs: advanced settings, configuration and history folder (checked 2026-09-10)
- VoiceInk: pricing and requirements (tryvoiceink.com) (checked 2026-09-10)
- VoiceInk GitHub issues mentioning hallucination (checked 2026-09-10)
- Apple Support: Dictate messages and documents on Mac (checked 2026-09-10)
- Relay release notes (GitHub) (checked 2026-09-10)
Frequently asked questions
Which dictation apps work fully offline on Mac?
Relay, Superwhisper, VoiceInk, and Apple Dictation all transcribe on-device with local models, so they work without internet. Wispr Flow and Aqua Voice are cloud-based and require a connection.
Is on-device dictation as accurate as cloud?
For everyday speech, modern local Whisper models are very close to cloud accuracy. Cloud tools like Aqua Voice can edge ahead on dense technical vocabulary. For most writing, email, and messaging, on-device accuracy is more than enough, and your audio stays private.
What is the best free local dictation app?
Apple Dictation is free and built in for light use. Relay is free during its beta and adds smart formatting and modes. VoiceInk is open-source and free to build from source.
Does local dictation drain my battery or slow my Mac?
Local transcription uses the CPU and GPU briefly while you speak, which is efficient on Apple Silicon. Between dictations a native app like Relay sits idle. If you are comparing apps, check idle CPU and memory in Activity Monitor on your own Mac.
Keep your voice on your Mac
Relay transcribes on-device with Whisper. Works offline. Free during beta.
Download for MacFree during the beta · Apple Silicon (M1 or later) · Your voice never leaves your Mac
Get a license key and release notes by email (optional; the download does not require it)