Superwhisper for Windows, compared with VinPUT
Two dictation apps with local models, side by side.
Superwhisper began on the Mac and is now listed for Windows too. If you are choosing between it and VinPUT on a Windows PC, this page sets out what I can say with confidence about both. Where I cannot, I point you to Superwhisper's own site.
Side by side
| VinPUT | Superwhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Unlimited, with a model on your PC | Basic features |
| Works offline | Yes | Yes |
| Source code | Open source, GPL-3.0 | Not open source |
| Runs on | Windows only | Windows, Mac, iOS and Android |
| Local models | Whisper, Parakeet TDT v3 and Qwen3-ASR | See its site for the models offered |
Superwhisper's column is how its own site listed it on 6 October 2026. Check there for what it offers today.
Where the choice is easy
If you dictate on a Mac or a phone as well and want one app on all of them, Superwhisper lists those systems and VinPUT does not run on them. If you only use Windows, VinPUT is the one to try when you want unlimited free dictation with a model on your PC, or want to read and build the code yourself.
The models VinPUT runs
VinPUT chooses no model for you. Under On this PC you pick from Whisper base (148 MB), Whisper large-v3 turbo in a compact (574 MB) and a full (1.6 GB) version, Parakeet TDT v3 (669 MB) and Qwen3-ASR in two sizes (1.0 GB and 2.5 GB). You can also add a Whisper model of your own. The pages on Whisper and Parakeet go into detail.
Running it beside the app you use now
VinPUT installs for your Windows account only and needs no administrator rights, and you can remove it from Installed apps. While it runs it takes its hotkeys exclusively, so give it keys the other app does not use. If a key is already taken, VinPUT says Hotkey unavailable in a notification, and you pick another under Settings, General, Hotkeys.
Questions
Does VinPUT run on a Mac?
No. It is made for Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit.
Does it work offline?
Yes, with a speech model on your PC. Whisper, Parakeet TDT v3 and Qwen3-ASR all run locally. Plus and Pro need the internet while you dictate.
Do I need an account?
Not for dictation with a model on your PC. An account exists only if you sign in with Google to use Plus or Pro.
Can I try it without removing the app I use now?
Yes. Install VinPUT, give it hotkeys the other app does not use, and compare. Uninstall it from Installed apps if it is not for you.
Related pages
- Wispr Flow alternative for Windows A free option if you want to leave a subscription app.
- Whisper dictation The Whisper sizes VinPUT lists and how they run.
- Parakeet on Windows NVIDIA Parakeet TDT v3 on a processor or any graphics card.
- Offline speech to text What works with no connection, and what needs one.