Who is it for?
- Useful when you want system-wide dictation with push-to-talk or toggle shortcuts instead of a browser tool.
- Useful when you want to choose among local transcription engines, keep a dictionary of custom terms and reuse snippets.
TypeWhisper — Audio to Text
TypeWhisper
TypeWhisper is an open-source speech-to-text app for macOS and Windows that dictates into any app with a global shortcut and can use local transcription engines.
Why it fits
Desktop / Desktop: Requires desktop installation.
Desktop / Desktop: Available features may vary by device and access method.
| Good to know | Desktop | Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Free output | Yes | Yes |
| No account needed | — | — |
| No watermark | — | — |
| Works offline | Yes | — |
| Batch processing | — | — |
| Content language | — | — |
— Unverified conditions. Official documentation reviewed. The app itself has not been hands-on tested. Matches only documented content-language support, not interface language.
Sources and review date4
Founder feedback and correction
Editorial selection guide
Last checked:
Getting started
- Install the macOS app with Homebrew or the DMG from GitHub Releases, or the Windows installer or portable ZIP from the Windows repository.
- Choose a transcription engine, set your global shortcut, put the cursor in the target app and dictate.
- Review the inserted text, then add recurring names or terms to the dictionary.
Decision points
- Choose it when open-source code, local engines and customisable workflows matter more than a single polished default.
- If you need a hosted service with support and no setup, compare commercial dictation apps; TypeWhisper lists a commercial licence and Premium features separately.
Limits
- The macOS README names Premium features such as iCloud sync, meeting automation and correction learning; check which features you need before relying on the free build.
- The Windows app needs the .NET 10 Runtime and internet access on first setup to install plugins and download model assets; the minimum Windows build is 19041.
- The organisation page and website also mention iOS; this record covers only the macOS and Windows repositories.
Frequently asked questions
Does TypeWhisper run without cloud services?
The project describes processing on your device and the macOS README lists several on-device engines, but it also mentions cloud engines, so check the engine you choose.
Do the Mac and Windows apps share one codebase?
No. The organisation page describes separate implementations of the same app: Swift for macOS and C# for Windows.