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.
FluidVoice
$0.00/mo · GPL-3.0
Superwhisper vs FluidVoice Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Superwhisper (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 & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 9.4k (active jul 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Superwhisper to FluidVoice
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
FluidVoice is macOS-only and newer, with fewer proven ready-made dictation modes and less cross-device polish than Superwhisper.
How to deploy FluidVoice
Signed macOS download or Homebrew cask
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.
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.
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.