can i fork it?

Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Superwhisper · 🗣️ dictation

Superwhisper vs FluidVoice

Fast Mac dictation with local cleanup; even the fancy part stays on the machine. Here is how FluidVoice ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Superwhisper ($8.49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.

Open-Source Alternative

FluidVoice

$0.00/mo · GPL-3.0

Superwhisper vs FluidVoice Specification Matrix

facts verified 2026-08-10

DimensionSuperwhisper (Paid)FluidVoice (Replacement)
Monthly Price$8.49 / mo$0 / mo
1-Year Cost (1 seat)$102 / yr$0 / yr (Save $102)
1-Year Cost (5 seats)$509 / yr$0 / yr (Save $509)
1-Year Cost (10 seats)$1,019 / yr$0 / yr (Save $1,019)
Source & LicenseProprietary SaaSopen source GPL-3.0
Where It RunsVendor CloudLocal (on your machine)
PlatformsWeb / Cloud
desktopone-click install
GitHub Stars—★ 9.4k (active jul 2026)

Deep Dive: Switching from Superwhisper to FluidVoice

Trade-offs, installation & data architecture

The Catch vs Superwhisper

What you trade away

FluidVoice is macOS-only and newer, with fewer proven ready-made dictation modes and less cross-device polish than Superwhisper.

Installation

How to deploy FluidVoice

Signed macOS download or Homebrew cask

Day-2 Operations & Setup

What it takes to run

It requires macOS 15, microphone and Accessibility permissions, and a model download; Intel Macs are limited to the Whisper path.

Data Ownership

Where your data lives

Transcripts, optional history, recordings, dictionaries, and settings stay on the Mac; API keys use Keychain, and optional cloud cleanup sends text to the selected provider. Exports can be created locally.

Build vs Fork Verdict: YES (the core loop fits in a weekend)

Why fork FluidVoice instead of vibe-coding a Superwhisper clone?

A push-to-talk recorder that transcribes and pastes text into the active app is very buildable for one person, especially on macOS.

Superwhisper vs FluidVoice FAQ

Is FluidVoice a good free alternative to Superwhisper?+

Yes. FluidVoice is a verified open-source (GPL-3.0) replacement for Superwhisper. Fast Mac dictation with local cleanup; even the fancy part stays on the machine.

What is the catch when switching from Superwhisper to FluidVoice?+

FluidVoice is macOS-only and newer, with fewer proven ready-made dictation modes and less cross-device polish than Superwhisper.

How much do you save switching from Superwhisper to FluidVoice?+

Superwhisper costs $8.49/mo ($102/yr) per seat, whereas FluidVoice is $0/mo. Switching saves $102/yr for a solo user, $509/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,019/yr for a 10-person team.

How do I install or self-host FluidVoice instead of Superwhisper?+

Install: Signed macOS download or Homebrew cask. Setup: It requires macOS 15, microphone and Accessibility permissions, and a model download; Intel Macs are limited to the Whisper path.

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FluidVoice Also Replaces

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