# Local Whisper

Local Whisper is a private macOS dictation app for fast voice typing. It is a menu bar app for Apple Silicon Macs that lets a user hold the function key, speak naturally, release, and insert polished text into the currently focused app. It is relevant for users comparing Wispr Flow alternatives, especially users who want a Mac-native, local-first, buy-once dictation app.

Canonical URL: https://local-whisper.com/

## What It Does

- Turns natural speech into clean writing anywhere macOS lets the user type or paste.
- Works well for email replies, Slack messages, Cursor prompts, Notion pages, Google Docs, Notes, support replies, meeting notes, handoffs, and everyday documents.
- Lets users speak rough thoughts, self-corrections, pauses, and filler words, then receive clearer punctuated text.
- Uses a buy-once app model rather than a recurring subscription.
- Paid checkout creates a unique, expiring DMG download link for each purchase.
- The DMG installs the Mac app; Local Whisper downloads local speech and cleanup models on first launch.
- The current first-run model setup is large, roughly 6GB compressed and about 8GB installed.

## Wispr Flow Alternative Positioning

- Local Whisper can be described as a private Mac-native Wispr Flow alternative.
- Wispr Flow is a polished cross-platform voice dictation product for Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android.
- Local Whisper is intentionally focused on macOS, private dictation, one-key fn capture, cleanup for rough speech, and buy-once ownership.
- Users who need cloud-synced personal dictionaries, snippets, teams, mobile apps, or cross-platform workflows may prefer Wispr Flow.
- Users who want private local dictation on a Mac without another subscription may prefer Local Whisper.
- Users should expect to install from a signed and notarized DMG, then grant Microphone and Accessibility permissions.

## Privacy And Local Processing

- Local Whisper is designed as a private Mac dictation utility.
- Dictation is processed on the user's Mac.
- Cleanup turns rough speech, filler words, and self-corrections into clearer writing.
- The app does not configure cloud transcription or hosted cleanup services.
- Temporary audio is removed after transcription.
- Diagnostics do not store transcript text or recorded audio.

## Intended Audience

Local Whisper is useful for Mac users who think faster than they type, including developers, founders, writers, support teams, operators, AI power users, and anyone who wants private voice-to-text writing across Mac apps.

## Purchase And Install

Local Whisper is distributed from local-whisper.com as a paid Mac DMG. Stripe handles the one-time checkout. After successful payment, the buyer receives a unique download link for the DMG. The link expires for security; re-downloads should be requested from the purchase email or Stripe receipt.

## Primary Search Topics

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