Whispering
Whispering is an open-source transcription app that gives users full transparency and control over their audio and transcription workflows, supporting local and cloud models with direct provider billing and privacy-first storage.
Whispering is dictation apps software teams evaluate for transcription. Use this page to review pricing, integration signals, and the best alternatives before you commit.
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Quick Overview
Best for: Transcription
What it does
Dictation Apps software for decision-makers comparing workflow fit and alternatives.
Best fit
Transcription
Pricing snapshot
Free from Per-hour: $0.02; Light Use: $0.20/month; Heavy Use: $1.80/month; Comparable subscriptions: $10-30/month
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Whispering
Whispering is an open-source transcription application focused on transparency, privacy, and cost control. It lets users run transcription locally (Speaches) or use cloud models (Groq, OpenAI, ElevenLabs) while using their own provider API keys so audio is sent directly to chosen providers or kept entirely local. The product targets users who want auditability and ownership of their transcription tool — from privacy-conscious individuals to professionals looking to reduce vendor markup and transcription costs.
Whispering is an open-source, local-first transcription app that keeps your audio local on-device while allowing use of local and cloud models with customizable transformations for privacy and flexibility.
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Claim this listing for $29Key Features
Open-source transparency
Truly open source: see the code, trace your data, and avoid black-box services; 'No middleman servers collecting your data.'
Multiple provider support
Supports cloud providers (Groq, OpenAI Whisper, ElevenLabs) and local models (Speaches) so users can choose speed or privacy.
Local-first privacy
Local storage and offline transcription via Speaches: 'completely local transcription (no internet, no API keys, completely private)'.
Keyboard shortcuts
Press a shortcut, speak, and get text anywhere on your system — optimized for quick transcriptions.
AI processing & formatting
Built-in AI processing to format text, fix grammar, and create custom workflows.
Transparent pricing & provider billing
Users supply their own API keys and pay providers directly; pricing examples are shown per-provider to avoid middleman markup.
Multiple access options
Native desktop builds for macOS, Windows, Linux and a web app to try in the browser.
Pricing
Yes — local transcription with Speaches is free and the app itself is free and open source; Groq also offers a generous free tier according to the site.
Groq (Distil)
Per-hour: $0.02; Light Use: $0.20/month; Heavy Use: $1.80/month; Comparable subscriptions: $10-30/month- Cloud model option
- Low per-hour pricing example listed on site
Groq (Large)
Per-hour: $0.04; Light Use: $0.40/month; Heavy Use: $3.60/month; Comparable subscriptions: $10-30/month- Higher-capacity cloud model
- Cloud scaling option
Local (Speaches)
Per-hour: $0.00; Light Use: Free; Heavy Use: Free; Comparable subscriptions: $10-30/month- Completely local, offline transcription
- No per-hour cost
Use Cases
Quick on-the-fly transcription
Use keyboard shortcuts to capture short recordings and transcribe them immediately anywhere on the system.
Privacy-sensitive transcription
Run Speaches locally for completely private transcription with no internet or API keys involved.
Cost-optimized production use
Start local for free and scale to cloud models (Groq/OpenAI) with direct provider billing to reduce costs and avoid middleman markups.
Post-processing long recordings
Process extended recordings exported from dedicated recording apps; the project recommends using a recorder for long sessions then transcribing with Whispering.
Integrations
Groq
Cloud provider option focused on speed and low cost (multiple Groq model variants listed).
OpenAI (Whisper)
Cloud transcription model option supported by the app.
ElevenLabs
Listed as a supported cloud provider.
Speaches (local)
Local, offline transcription model that runs entirely on the user's machine.
Benefits
Limitations
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from other transcription apps?
Can I use it completely free?
Is my data secure?
Which providers are supported?
Is Whispering suitable for long recordings?
Getting Started
- 1 Download the native build for your platform (macOS .dmg, Windows .msi, or Linux release) or try the Web App in your browser.
- 2 Follow the 5-minute setup guide or watch the 5-minute setup video linked on the site.
- 3 Choose a provider: select local (Speaches) for offline use or configure your provider API keys (Groq, OpenAI, ElevenLabs) to use cloud models.
Support
docs
Complete setup guide and FAQ available on the site; 'Complete setup guide in 5 minutes' and 'FAQ'.
video
Watch a 5-minute setup guide linked from the site.
open-source repository
View on GitHub and star the project; releases and downloads are available via the repository/releases.
API
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