Tool review & tips

MacWhisper

On device transcription for audio and video, quick and private, useful for notes and content.

MacWhisper

What it does in 1 sentence

MacWhisper converts media files into accurate text transcripts on your machine.

MacWhisper
Overview

Overview of

MacWhisper

You will love this tool when

You want high-quality transcriptions locally without uploading files to the cloud.

Ideal for

Creators and marketers transcribing calls and audio fast on a Mac

Pricing

Who is it for icon

Annual pricing

49

Who is it for icon

Monthly starting at

4

Use cases

Who is it for icon

Transcribe podcast episodes or interviews fast.

Who is it for icon

Pull quotes and insights from client calls.

Who is it for icon

Edit subtitles or show notes directly from output.

Tools

Alternatives for

MacWhisper

Looking for other options? These are tools I've personally used with clients or tested extensively. Some might better suit your budget, tech stack, or team size. Consider this a shortlist if you need alternatives.

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ChatGPT
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ChatGPT

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Fireflies.ai
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Fireflies.ai

AI note taker that records meetings, creates notes and pushes them to the CRM so follow up is clear.

Automation tools

How to automate with

MacWhisper

Tools like Zapier, n8n and Make.com are incredibly powerful, but they can feel overwhelming when you’re just getting started. Since you can connect almost anything, it’s hard to know where to begin.

Read my guide on automation
Zapier
Tool

Zapier

No code automation that connects apps and moves data, great for quick wins and alerts that save time.

n8n
Tool

n8n

Open source automation with nodes and self hosting, ideal when you need flexibility and privacy with strong workflows.

Make
Tool

Make

Visual automation platform that connects tools and moves data with control and scheduling.

What to consider

Considerations before you buy

MacWhisper

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.

Learn the tool

Ultimate guide to using

MacWhisper

My personal notes on how to use this tool.

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.

My personal review

My review of

MacWhisper

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.

Playbooks

MacWhisper

is part of

AI for marketers

This tool is part of tactical playbooks that walk you through every stage of this engine. Read the full guides to learn how to implement the framework, set up your infrastructure, and execute the tactics that drive results.

See all playbooks
Playbook

AI for marketers

Use AI for research, briefs and QA. Set prompts and review steps, train the team, and track time saved without risking quality. Focus on cases that strengthen the work.

See playbook
AI for marketers
Growth wiki

Growth concepts explained in simple language

Key concepts and frameworks explained clearly. Quick reference when you need to understand a term, refresh your knowledge, or share with your team.

See entire growth wiki
Eyebrow title

Stakeholder Management

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Topic

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Playbook

Navigate competing priorities and secure buy-in by systematically understanding, influencing, and aligning internal decision-makers toward shared goals.

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Braindump

use case icon

Topic

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Playbook

Clear mental clutter by transferring all thoughts, tasks, and ideas onto paper or screen, creating space for focused work.

Eyebrow title

Eisenhower Matrix

use case icon

Topic

Who is it for icon

Playbook

Prioritise tasks systematically by sorting them into urgent-important quadrants, focusing effort on high-impact activities.

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Deep Work

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Topic

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Playbook

Block extended time for cognitively demanding tasks requiring sustained focus, maximising valuable output whilst minimising shallow distractions.

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Prioritisation

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Topic

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Playbook

Systematically rank projects and opportunities using objective frameworks, ensuring scarce resources flow to highest-impact work.

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Pareto Principle

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Topic

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Playbook

Focus effort on the 20% of activities that drive 80% of results, systematically eliminating low-yield work to maximise output per hour invested.

Course

Why most B2B marketers don't get the results they want

Most B2B marketers are either Random Ricks (trying everything) or Specialist Steves (obsessed with one channel). Generalists run tactics without strategy. Specialists hit channel ceilings. But there's a better way.

See entire course
Random Rick
Always-busy marketer

Tries everything at once. Posts on LinkedIn, runs ads, tweaks the website, chases referrals. Nothing compounds because nothing's consistent. Growth feels chaotic.

Specialist Steve
Single channel specialist

Obsessed with one tactic. 'We just need better ads' or 'SEO will fix everything.' Ignores the rest of the system. One strong engine can't carry a broken machine.

Solid Sarah
Full-funnel marketer

Finds the bottleneck. Fixes that first. Then moves to the next weakest link. Builds a system that's predictable, measurable and doesn't need 80-hour weeks.

Start for free

Sarah grows faster than Rick and Steve. Want to know how Solid Sarah does it?

Learn how she diagnoses bottlenecks, orchestrates the four engines, and drives predictable growth. Choose if you want to read or watch:

See full course
7-day mini-course in your inbox

Learn the system by email

Get practical frameworks delivered daily. Seven short emails explain how Sarah diagnoses bottlenecks, orchestrates the four engines, and builds systems that compound.

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Watch module 1 for free

See the course in action

Free 45-minute video module from the full course. Watch how to diagnose your growth bottleneck and see exactly what the course platform looks like.

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