Comparison
FloWords vs Superwhisper
Two privacy-first macOS apps with Whisper on-device. Different philosophies on pricing and feature scope.
FloWords and Superwhisper are the closest competitors in the local-first macOS dictation space. Both run Whisper-family models on the user's Mac, both prioritize privacy, and both target professionals who don't want their voice in the cloud. The differences come down to pricing strategy, AI enhancement integrations, and the ecosystem each app focuses on. This comparison is honest about overlaps — if you tried Superwhisper and it didn't fit, FloWords' specific design choices might be a better match. If FloWords doesn't fit your workflow, Superwhisper is a solid alternative we genuinely respect.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | FloWords | Superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Transcription location | 100% on-device | 100% on-device |
| Pricing model | $10 USD one-time, lifetime | Subscription tiers (varies, see official site) |
| Speech models | Whisper.cpp (incl. Turbo), Parakeet V3, Apple Native | Whisper variants |
| Free trial | 21 days, no card required | Free tier with limits, see official site |
| Device activations | Unlimited per license | Per official subscription terms |
| AI enhancement | OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, Ollama (your keys) | Built-in modes + your keys |
| Custom dictionary | Yes, unlimited entries | Yes |
| Global hotkeys | Up to 5 simultaneous, hold/toggle | Yes |
| Notch Recorder UI | Yes (MacBook Pro) | Custom UI |
| Public documentation | Comprehensive Starlight docs site | Documentation available |
| Languages | 100+ with auto-detection | 100+ with auto-detection |
| Origin story | Built by AlchemyAI using agentic AI workflows | Independent indie developer |
Choose FloWords if
- ✓ You prefer one-time pricing over any subscription tier
- ✓ You want unlimited device activations included by default
- ✓ You already work in the OpenAI / Claude / Ollama ecosystem and want native API-key integration
- ✓ You appreciate a comprehensive public documentation site for reference
- ✓ You want to support an indie product portfolio (AlchemyAI) building agentic AI tools
Choose Superwhisper if
- → You've already invested in Superwhisper's specific workflow and shortcuts
- → You prefer Superwhisper's UI choices or default modes for your use case
- → Your team or organization has standardized on Superwhisper
- → You prefer the subscription model for any reason (predictable budgeting, etc.)
Frequently asked questions
Are FloWords and Superwhisper actually different, or is one a clone? ▾
They're different products built independently. Both happened to converge on the local-first macOS dictation pattern because that's the right answer for the privacy-conscious user. The architectures, UIs, and feature priorities differ. FloWords focuses on a $10 lifetime price, multi-provider AI enhancement via your own keys, and a comprehensive documentation site. Superwhisper has its own design choices that may suit different workflows.
Can I run both side by side? ▾
Technically yes — both apps register their own global hotkeys and don't conflict directly. But running two voice-to-text apps simultaneously usually creates confusion about which one captured a recording. Most users settle on one and uninstall the other after a trial period.
Which one is faster? ▾
Both apps run Whisper-family models on the same Apple Silicon hardware, so raw transcription latency is similar. Performance depends more on the specific model loaded (Whisper Tiny vs Turbo vs Large) and the Mac's chip generation than on which app you use. Test both with your typical input length to see which feels better in practice.
Does FloWords have feature parity with Superwhisper? ▾
FloWords covers the core workflow (hotkey → speak → paste) plus AI enhancement, custom dictionary, and history. Some Superwhisper-specific features may not have FloWords equivalents and vice versa. Run the 21-day FloWords trial to verify the workflow matches your needs.
Why would I switch from Superwhisper to FloWords? ▾
The most common reasons: (a) preference for one-time $10 pricing over subscriptions, (b) wanting native multi-provider AI enhancement using your own API keys (OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama), (c) wanting unlimited device activations included by default, or (d) supporting a product built using agentic AI workflows by AlchemyAI. If none of those apply, Superwhisper is a great choice and we'd recommend sticking with it.
Try FloWords free for 21 days
No credit card required. 100% local processing. $10 lifetime license when you're ready.
macOS 14.0+ · Apple Silicon & Intel · 21-day free trial