Quick answer: if you want a free or low-cost dictation app that runs locally by default and you're comfortable managing your own AI API keys for advanced editing, Superwhisper is a strong fit. If you want cloud-fast dictation, AI cleanup, and voice-driven text editing included in one flat subscription with no separate API bill, FlowDictate is built for that.
At a glance
| FlowDictate | Superwhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS 13+, Windows 10/11 | macOS, Windows, iOS |
| Processing | Cloud, zero data retention | Local by default; optional cloud AI models |
| Offline use | Requires internet | Works offline (local models) |
| AI cleanup | Filler removal, grammar, formatting — included | 3 free local modes; more via your own API keys |
| Voice editing | Magic Edit — rewrite, summarize, translate, fix tone | Depends on cloud model connected |
| Languages | 26, native accuracy | 100+ languages and dialects |
| Price | $15/mo, or $12/mo billed annually (all-inclusive) | Free tier; Pro ~$8.49/mo or ~$84.99/yr, plus optional API costs |
| Trial | 14 days, no credit card | Free tier is unlimited (no trial needed) |
Processing: cloud speed vs local-first
Superwhisper's default mode runs on local small AI models, so it works without an internet connection and keeps audio on your device — a genuine privacy and reliability advantage, especially on Apple Silicon. Its more advanced cleanup happens through optional cloud AI models (GPT, Claude, and others), which you connect via your own API keys on the Pro tier.
FlowDictate processes entirely in the cloud, which is what enables its sub-second latency and roughly 150-words-per-minute dictation speed. Audio is deleted immediately after transcription and never used for training — a zero-retention policy rather than an on-device one. If offline use or on-device processing is a requirement, Superwhisper is the better fit by default.
AI cleanup and editing
Both apps go beyond raw transcription. Superwhisper's free tier includes three preset AI modes for tone and structure. FlowDictate's Smart Format handles filler-word removal, grammar correction, and context-aware formatting automatically as part of every dictation, and Magic Edit adds voice-driven editing — select text you've already dictated and say “make this more concise” or “translate to French” without touching the keyboard.
Price and what's actually included
Superwhisper is the cheaper path if you stay on its free tier or don't lean heavily on cloud AI modes — its Pro pricing (roughly $8.49/month) undercuts FlowDictate's $12–15/month. The tradeoff is that Superwhisper's most advanced editing requires bringing your own API keys and accepting variable usage costs. FlowDictate's subscription is flat and all-inclusive — one price, no separate model bill, and a 14-day free trial with no credit card required to try it first.
Platform support
Superwhisper covers more ground on mobile with a dedicated iOS app; FlowDictate has none. Both ship native Mac and Windows apps with cross-platform sync for custom vocabulary and settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Superwhisper really free?
Its free tier is genuinely unlimited for basic use — no word cap, no account required, no time limit — running on local small AI models with support for 100+ languages and three built-in cleanup modes. Its Pro tier (roughly $8.49/month or $84.99/year, as of Sep 2026) adds custom API keys and more advanced cloud AI models for editing.
Does Superwhisper work offline?
Yes, by default. Superwhisper's base functionality runs on local models and works without an internet connection, with offline performance best on Apple Silicon Macs. Its optional cloud AI modes (for more advanced editing via providers like GPT or Claude) require an internet connection and, on the Pro tier, your own API keys — which can add usage costs on top of the subscription.
Why would I pay more for FlowDictate if Superwhisper has a free tier?
It depends what you need. Superwhisper's free tier is local-only with three preset AI modes; getting more advanced cloud-based AI editing means managing your own API keys and their separate usage costs. FlowDictate's subscription is all-inclusive — Smart Format cleanup and Magic Edit voice-driven editing are built in with no separate API bill, and pricing is the same flat rate whether you dictate lightly or heavily.
Is FlowDictate available on iOS like Superwhisper?
No. Superwhisper ships a Mac, Windows, and iOS app. FlowDictate is Mac and Windows only, with no mobile app currently.
How do the languages compare?
Both support a large set of languages — Superwhisper lists 100+ languages and dialects; FlowDictate supports 26 languages with native accuracy. If you need a language outside FlowDictate's 26, Superwhisper's broader list is worth checking first.