DictidyComparison
Considering a superwhisper alternative?
Dictidy combines local Mac dictation and selected-text rewriting in a free, open-source app. superwhisper also offers free local dictation, with more features available in Pro.
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, using official product documentation. This is a comparison of documented features, not an accuracy or speed test.
Compare the workflow, not just the price label
| Feature | Dictidy | superwhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Free dictation | Local Whisper, no app-imposed word cap | Unlimited local Whisper dictation on the free plan |
| AI cleanup | Your Anthropic or OpenAI API key; separate usage charges | Pro includes AI modes and cloud/local model choices |
| Customization | Saved rewrite instructions, model overrides, shortcuts | Modes, model selection, context settings |
| Source | MIT licensed, public source | Commercial proprietary app |
| Platforms | Apple Silicon Mac, macOS 13.3+ | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android |
Sources: superwhisper’s plan comparison and product overview. Paid offerings and included features can change.
Where Dictidy fits
Dictidy is useful when you want two everyday actions in your menu bar: speak text at your cursor, or select an existing draft and rewrite it in place. Custom instructions let you decide how much wording changes. Each instruction can follow your default model or use a particular Anthropic or OpenAI model.
The software and prebuilt download are free. Local dictation needs no key. Cleanup and rewriting require your provider key, send text to that provider, and are billed by the provider. Dictidy does not offer local AI cleanup.
Where superwhisper may fit better
superwhisper offers more transcription and AI model options, as well as file transcription and meeting features. Its documentation describes offline AI formatting with a supported local model. Those are useful differences if you need an all-local cleanup workflow or more than cursor dictation. Review its feature and model requirements.
Its custom modes can also use selected text as context. We do not treat working with existing text as a feature unique to Dictidy.
What to check before switching
- Try the same short message in the apps you use most and review the output.
- Decide whether local transcription alone is enough, or whether cleanup must stay local too.
- Compare software fees and any separate provider usage charges.
- Check your Mac and setup requirements. Dictidy needs a roughly 1.6 GB speech model and is self-signed, not notarized.
Start with the Dictidy setup guide, or compare free Mac dictation options.
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.