MacWhisper transcribes files. Epilude replaces typing.
MacWhisper turns audio and video files into transcripts, with subtitles and batch processing. Epilude dictates polished text into any app in real time. Both can run on-device.
Epilude vs MacWhisper
| Feature |   | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Real-time dictation | File transcription |
| On-device, offline | Yes (Local Mode) | Yes (local Whisper) |
| System-wide dictation in any app | Basic dictation feature | |
| Polished output as you speak | Yes (Tone Match) | AI cleanup after transcription |
| Transcribe audio and video files | ||
| Subtitle export (SRT, VTT) | ||
| Batch and folder transcription | ||
| Price | $12/mo billed annually, or $59 one-time (Local Mode) | About $69 one-time (Gumroad) |
- Epilude
- Real-time dictation
- MacWhisper
- File transcription
- Epilude
- Yes (Local Mode)
- MacWhisper
- Yes (local Whisper)
- Epilude
- MacWhisper
- Basic dictation feature
- Epilude
- Yes (Tone Match)
- MacWhisper
- AI cleanup after transcription
- Epilude
- MacWhisper
- Epilude
- MacWhisper
- Epilude
- MacWhisper
- Epilude
- $12/mo billed annually, or $59 one-time (Local Mode)
- MacWhisper
- About $69 one-time (Gumroad)
Competitor details are researched and current as of 2026 and may change. Check MacWhisper for the latest.
Key differences
Dictation versus transcription
These are different jobs. MacWhisper takes a finished recording and produces a transcript. Epilude takes your live speech and produces polished text in the app you are working in. Most people need one or the other on a given day.
Real-time output versus after-the-fact cleanup
Epilude shapes your words as you speak, including Tone Match per app. MacWhisper has AI cleanup and summaries you apply to a transcript after it is generated. Useful, but not the same as formatting that happens while you talk.
One-time pricing on both sides now
MacWhisper is a one-time purchase of around $69 on Gumroad. Epilude has a one-time option too: Pay Once is $59 and unlocks Local Mode, on-device dictation with cleanup. If you want a one-time price for real-time dictation rather than file transcription, Epilude is the cheaper one-time buy. Pro, the subscription, adds Cloud Mode and the full suite.
Where MacWhisper is the better pick
Choose Epilude if
- You want to dictate into any app in real time
- You want polished, context-aware output as you speak
- You want a native Mac dictation suite
Choose MacWhisper if
- You mainly transcribe audio or video files
- You need subtitles, batch processing, or speaker labels
- You mainly transcribe audio and video files rather than dictate in real time
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Epilude and MacWhisper.
It has a dictation feature, but it is built around file transcription: you drop in a recording and get a transcript. Epilude is built around real-time, system-wide dictation that replaces typing.
Yes. MacWhisper runs Whisper models locally on your Mac, so transcription works offline. Epilude Local Mode also runs on-device and works offline.
Epilude focuses on real-time dictation, not file transcription or subtitle export. If you need to transcribe files or produce SRT and VTT subtitles, MacWhisper is the better tool.
Both have a one-time price: MacWhisper is around $69 on Gumroad, and Epilude Pay Once is $59 for Local Mode, on-device dictation. Epilude Pro, the subscription with Cloud Mode and the full suite, is $12 per month billed annually.
