Relay vs MacWhisper
These solve different problems. MacWhisper is primarily a file-transcription tool: drag in audio or video and get a transcript, with batch processing, diarization and subtitles. Relay is for live dictation: talk and your words appear in whatever app you're using. Both run Whisper locally.
Last updated . Prices and vendor claims come from the sources listed at the end of the page; re-check before purchase.
People often compare these two, but they overlap less than the names suggest. If you have recordings to turn into text, MacWhisper is excellent. If you want to type with your voice in real time across your Mac, that's Relay's whole job. Many people end up using one of each.
Relay vs MacWhisper at a glance
| Relay | MacWhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Live dictation into any app | Transcribing recorded audio/video files |
| Live system-wide dictation | Yes | Secondary mode (paid version) |
| Transcription | On-device, local Whisper | On-device, local Whisper (+ Parakeet) |
| Batch / file import | No | Yes, batch, folders, YouTube URLs |
| Diarization & subtitles | No | Yes |
| Price | Free during beta | Free tier; Pro about EUR 59 (~$69) one-time, or App Store sub |
| Platforms | macOS, Apple Silicon | macOS |
| Smart formatting while dictating | Yes (Clean / Rewrite modes) | Transcribes literally unless you add a cloud AI key |
Which one do you need?
Choose MacWhisper if your job is converting recordings (interviews, meetings, podcasts, videos) into accurate transcripts, with speaker labels and subtitle export. Its one-time license is a fair deal for that.
Choose Relay if you want to dictate emails, Slack messages, code prompts and docs by voice as you work. MacWhisper does have a system-wide dictation mode in its paid version, but reviewers note it "transcribes literally" without smart cleanup unless you wire in a cloud AI key. Relay's Clean and Rewrite modes format as you speak, on-device or with your own key.
Pick MacWhisper if…
- You mainly transcribe recorded audio or video files
- You need batch processing, diarization, or subtitles
- You want a one-time purchase for file work
Pick Relay if…
- You want to dictate into apps live, as you work
- You want smart formatting while you speak
- You want a free, dictation-first tool
Sources
- MacWhisper on Gumroad (price and features) (checked 2026-09-10)
- Relay release notes (GitHub) (checked 2026-09-10)
Frequently asked questions
Can MacWhisper do live dictation like Relay?
Its paid version includes a system-wide dictation mode, but MacWhisper is built first for transcribing recorded files. Reviewers note its live dictation transcribes literally without smart formatting unless you connect a cloud AI key. Relay is dictation-first with built-in Clean and Rewrite modes.
Can Relay transcribe audio files?
No. Relay focuses on live dictation. For turning recordings into transcripts (with batch import, speaker labels, and subtitles), MacWhisper is the right tool. The two complement each other well.
Do both keep my audio private?
Yes, core transcription in both runs locally with Whisper on your Mac. Optional AI cleanup features in either app may call a cloud model only if you enable and configure that.
How much is MacWhisper?
It has a free tier with smaller Whisper models. The Pro license is about EUR 59 (~$69) one-time via Gumroad, or a subscription through the Mac App Store. Relay is free during its beta.
Try Relay free
On-device voice typing for any Mac app. Free during the 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)