DictidyComparison
Dictidy vs Wispr Flow
Choose Dictidy for free, open-source Mac dictation with local audio processing and your own rewrite models. Choose Wispr Flow if you prefer a hosted service with broader platform support.
Updated
Free app · Apple Silicon · macOS 13.3+
Local dictation is free. AI cleanup and rewriting use your Anthropic or OpenAI key; provider charges apply.
Published by the Dictidy project. This comparison uses the official sources linked below; it is not an independent benchmark.
The differences that matter
| What you need | Dictidy | Wispr Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Speech processing | Local Whisper model; audio stays on your Mac | Cloud transcription |
| Cost | Free app and local dictation; rewrite API usage billed separately | Free allowance; paid plans for unlimited dictation |
| Rewrite selected text | Saved instructions with configurable models and shortcuts | Transforms, currently described as beta |
| Platforms | Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 13.3+ | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
| Source code | MIT licensed and available on GitHub | Commercial proprietary app |
Sources: Wispr privacy overview, plans and platforms, and Transforms announcement. Features and plan limits can change.
Local audio, with a separate choice for rewriting
Dictidy’s Dictate action transcribes on your Mac and pastes the result at your cursor. It needs no API key and works offline after the speech model download.
Dictate + Clean adds a separate step: it sends the transcript to Anthropic or OpenAI using your API key. Rewriting selected text uses the same provider path. Those actions need internet access and incur provider charges. Dictidy has no telemetry, but choosing a cloud rewrite is still a choice to send text to that provider. Read the data-flow details.
Both apps can work with text you already wrote
Rewriting is not exclusive to Dictidy: Wispr documents selected-text Transforms. Dictidy’s approach is to give each saved instruction its own prompt, optional model choice, and keyboard shortcut. You can use a light cleanup instruction for a message and another instruction for a more substantial rewrite.
Which should you try?
Try Dictidy if you use a compatible Mac, want to inspect the source, and prefer local transcription with direct control over rewrite providers. Allow time for the roughly 1.6 GB speech model download. The app is self-signed and not notarized, so follow the installation instructions when macOS asks you to approve it.
Consider Wispr Flow if cross-platform availability and a hosted workflow matter more to you. Its privacy controls and cloud processing deserve a direct review rather than a blanket “private” or “not private” label.
For another option with local models, see our superwhisper comparison.
Get started with Dictidy
Download the app and follow the installation guide. You can start with local dictation and add rewriting when you want it.
Apple Silicon · macOS 13.3+ · Free app; optional rewrite API usage billed separately.