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AI Tool Profile

MacWhisper

MacWhisper is a Mac app that transcribes audio, video and meetings on your own computer using local AI models. A free tier is listed; Pro is a one-time purchase of 64 euros with lifetime updates.

Pricing model
Freemium
Price start
Free plan available

Description of MacWhisper

MacWhisper is a transcription app for Mac that handles audio, video, meetings and system audio, and also offers system-wide dictation. Its local AI models can process files without sending data off the computer, so it works offline. It can also connect to cloud AI services and to local tools such as Ollama and LM Studio.

You can transcribe files, microphone recordings, YouTube links and podcasts, with speaker recognition, batch transcription and subtitle export in .srt and .vtt formats. It can record meetings on Zoom, Teams and similar platforms without a bot joining the call. AI summaries, chat and custom prompts work with your own API keys or local models. Watched folders, integrations with Notion and Obsidian and a command-line interface are also listed.

The site says the app is built by Jordi Bruin and friends at Good Snooze in the Netherlands. macOS is the main platform, and the FAQ mentions an iOS and iPad version and an App Store version without further detail.

Pricing is a one-time model rather than a subscription. A free tier is listed at 0 euros and described as free forever, with a Free versus Pro comparison table; the page text we read did not state which features are limited. Pro costs 64 euros per licence, including lifetime updates. Prices are in euros, so we do not record a US dollar figure. It suits people who transcribe sensitive recordings and prefer to keep audio on their own machine.

Features of MacWhisper

  1. Transcribes files, microphone input, YouTube links and podcasts locally on a Mac, with speaker recognition and subtitle export.
  2. Records meetings on Zoom, Teams and similar apps without a bot, and offers system-wide dictation.
  3. AI summaries and chat using your own API keys or local models such as Ollama and LM Studio.

Frequently asked questions

Does MacWhisper work offline?

Yes. Its local AI models process files on your Mac without sending data off the device.

How much does it cost?

A free tier is listed. Pro is a one-time 64 euro licence with lifetime updates; prices are in euros.

Does it run on Windows?

The site presents it as a Mac app; it mentions an iOS and iPad version but no Windows version.

Website: https://macwhisper.com/

Company: Good Snooze

Key facts

Mac app for offline, local transcription with meeting recording and dictation. Free tier plus Pro as a one-time 64 euro licence (euros, not USD). Not a subscription service.

Pricing model Freemium
Free tier Yes · Free tier listed as free forever; limits not stated on page text read
Starting price Not verified
Data residency On-premises — The site says local models process files on the Mac without sending data off it.
Compliance (as stated by vendor) Not verified
Integrations Notion, Obsidian, Ollama, LM Studio, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
Public API Not verified
Self-hostable Not verified
Official site Not verified
Can a general AI assistant replace it? A chat model cannot transcribe a local audio file on its own; MacWhisper does it on-device when privacy or offline use matters.
Last verified 2026-10-10 by editor

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Update history

  1. 2026-10-10 · ai alternative note updated (editor)
  2. 2026-10-10 · editor verdict updated (editor)
  3. 2026-10-10 · integrations updated (editor)
  4. 2026-10-10 · data residency note updated (editor)
  5. 2026-10-10 · data residency updated (editor)
  6. 2026-10-10 · pricing page url updated (editor)
  7. 2026-10-10 · free tier updated (editor)
  8. 2026-10-10 · pricing model updated (editor)

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