VoxKey
When to choose VoxKey
Choose VoxKey for a focused hold-to-dictate app whose source you can inspect, with no saved recordings or dictation history. There is no cloud transcription option to configure.
TWO LOCAL WHISPER APPS
VoxKey vs
Superwhisper
Both offer free local Whisper on Mac. The difference is the workflow.
· VoxKey 0.6.0
When to choose Superwhisper
Choose Superwhisper for custom modes and a broader writing toolkit, with local and cloud models. Its Pro license also covers Windows, iPhone, and iPad.
The practical differences
| What matters | VoxKey | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free; MIT-licensed app source. Model terms are separate. | Local Whisper free on Mac; Pro US$8.49/month, US$84.99/year, or US$249.99 lifetime. |
| Processing | Local only after model downloads; update checks use the internet. | Local models available; cloud models optional. |
| Platforms | Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 26 or later. | Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad; features vary. |
| Workflow | Dictation into text fields, vocabulary hints, Safety Net recovery. | Custom modes; local transcription history. |
Free offline Whisper is not exclusive to VoxKey. Superwhisper’s August 26, 2026 macOS changelog makes all local Whisper models free; its pricing table still lists local models under Pro. This comparison follows the dated changelog for that specific feature. Sources & scope ↓
VoxKey is for dictation into text fields. What VoxKey doesn’t do.
Sources & scope
I wrote this comparison from vendor documentation and VoxKey 0.6.0. How I compare.
Official sources checked:
Try VoxKey on your Mac
Free, open source, and local after model setup. Apple Silicon · macOS 26+