MacWhisper

MacWhisper (around €20 one-time) is excellent value for frequent transcription no subscription, processes on-device, and works offline. Compared to cloud services like Otter or Fireflies, MacWhisper is more private but requires local processing power. Compared to free options like manual transcription, it saves hours. The app works best on Apple Silicon Macs (faster processing) and handles most audio/video formats well. If you transcribe regularly and value privacy, MacWhisper pays for itself quickly. If you rarely transcribe or need live meeting transcription with speaker labels, cloud services work better. MacWhisper is perfect for batch processing recordings you already have whilst keeping everything local. Mac-only limitation matters if your team uses Windows.

Having used several transcription tools over the years, I’ve developed a bit of a love-hate relationship with them. While tools like ChatGPT have made huge strides in transcription, I still encounter issues with timeouts or delays, especially when I’m transcribing longer files or running multiple transcriptions at once. That's where MacWhisper shines – it’s fast, reliable, and efficient because it runs locally on my Mac.

I primarily use MacWhisper to create subtitles for my B2B growth marketing course. Subtitles are a vital part of my course for accessibility and to ensure that people can follow along even if they’re in a noisy environment. MacWhisper has proven to be the most accurate and efficient tool for this job. The ability to choose from different transcription models is fantastic, as it allows me to optimise the tool for various types of content, whether it’s a quick webinar or a more complex training session.

Another major selling point is the fact that MacWhisper runs locally. I’ve dealt with plenty of cloud-based transcription tools that, while great, tend to time out or lose progress if there’s an issue with the internet connection. MacWhisper eliminates that issue by running everything on my computer. I never have to worry about interruptions or lost data, and the transcription process is incredibly fast.

Finally, I think it’s worth mentioning that MacWhisper was created by a Dutch developer. As a Dutch person myself, I’m always excited to see local talent succeeding on the global stage. It’s a great product built by someone who clearly understands the needs of professionals like me, and I’m happy to support it.

If you’re considering using MacWhisper for your transcription and subtitle needs, here’s how you can make the most of it.

1. Download and install MacWhisper

To get started, visit the MacWhisper website and download the app. The installation process is straightforward, and it runs smoothly on any Mac that supports macOS 11.0 or later. Once installed, you’ll have access to all the transcription features right from your desktop.

2. Choose the transcription model

MacWhisper offers a variety of transcription models, each designed for different types of audio. The models vary in terms of accuracy and processing speed, so you can choose the one that fits your needs. For example, if you're transcribing a podcast with multiple speakers, you might opt for a model that's more robust in handling complex conversations. For shorter, single-speaker recordings, a lighter model may suffice. Test out a few options to see which one works best for your content.

3. Transcribe audio files

Once you’ve chosen your transcription model, simply drag and drop the audio file into the app. MacWhisper will automatically begin transcribing the audio. The app runs locally, so you don’t have to worry about waiting for cloud-based servers to process the file. This results in much faster transcription times, which is a huge benefit when you’re working with multiple files or need quick turnaround times.

4. Edit and fine-tune the transcription

After MacWhisper finishes transcribing, you can go through and edit any mistakes or inaccuracies. While the tool is highly accurate, it’s always a good idea to double-check the transcription to ensure there are no issues, especially if you’re working with industry-specific terminology. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to make corrections.

5. Create subtitles for videos

One of the features I love most about MacWhisper is the ability to create subtitles for videos. After transcribing your audio, you can easily export the transcription as an SRT or VTT file, which are standard subtitle formats. This feature saves me a ton of time when creating my course content because I don’t need to manually create subtitles or use a third-party service. You can also customise the subtitle format if you need to adjust timing or add additional information.

6. Export and use your transcription

Once you're happy with your transcription or subtitles, you can export the file in various formats. If you're using it for video, simply import the subtitle file into your video editing software. If you're transcribing an interview or meeting, you can export the text for easy reference, sharing, or archiving.

7. Automate the process with workflows

If you're a Zapier user, you can set up workflows that automatically trigger MacWhisper to transcribe or generate subtitles when new audio files are added to a specific folder or cloud storage service. This can save you time and automate the entire transcription process. With MacWhisper's support for different models and Zapier, you can integrate it into your existing marketing or content creation workflows.

Why you should buy the full version

The full version of MacWhisper provides additional transcription models and removes any limitations on usage. Supporting the Dutch AI creator behind this app is also a great reason to purchase the full version, especially since it’s such a powerful tool for professionals in marketing, content creation, and education. For those who need reliable, fast transcription and subtitle generation, MacWhisper offers a cost-effective solution that runs locally and delivers consistent results.