TyneCore architecture
A macOS, Windows, and iOS dictation utility built around selectable local and cloud speech models paired with customizable prompt modes.
Superwhisper alternative
Looking for a Superwhisper alternative?
Configurable Mac, Windows, and iPhone dictation with local and cloud modes—compared with Tyne’s encrypted local notes, cited documents, and meeting workspace.
All comparisonsReviewed October 23, 2026 · Vendor source ↗
At a glance.
- Where audio is processed
- SuperwhisperLocal or cloud models (by mode)
- TyneAlways on your Mac; raw audio is never uploaded
- Works offline
- SuperwhisperYes, with local models selected
- TyneYes, after initial setup
- Encrypted notes
- SuperwhisperRecording history logs
- TyneEncrypted notes, meetings, and search
- Document Q&A & exports
- SuperwhisperNo
- TyneCited PDF, Word, spreadsheet, and slide answers
- Calendar & Reminders drafting
- SuperwhisperNo
- TyneDrafts actions for your approval
- Price
- Superwhisper~$8.49/mo or lifetime option
- TyneFree forever ($0) · Plus $4.99/mo · Turbo $9.99/mo
Superwhisper
Tyne
How Superwhisper works.
Under the hood
Captures microphone or system audio and processes it using either downloaded local models or cloud AI providers (via subscription or user API keys) according to the active mode.
The honest trade-offs.
What Superwhisper does well
- Supports macOS, Windows, and iOS with both local transcription and cloud models.
- Highly configurable custom “modes” with user-defined system prompts.
- Offers both monthly/annual subscriptions and a one-time lifetime license.
Where it breaks down
No structured knowledge vault or Atlas workspace
Saves past recordings in history, but does not index notes, entities, and multi-format documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX) into a single encrypted SQLCipher knowledge base with page/cell citations.
Manual mode management
Users often configure separate modes and model combinations manually rather than having one integrated Vault, Project Brain, and Atlas workflow.
Export & deliverable scope
Does not provide an Atlas-style workspace for cited document research and Word or PDF reports.
Pricing.
Superwhisper
Free tier with basic models; Pro is published around $8.49/month ($84.99/year) or a lifetime license. Verify current pricing at superwhisper.com.
Tyne
Unlimited on-device dictation, free forever ($0). Plus is $4.99/month ($49/year); Turbo is $9.99/month ($95/year); Turbo Plus ($19.99/month) is coming soon.
Where Tyne differs.
Both tools value local Apple Silicon speech recognition, but Tyne goes beyond standalone dictation modes: it combines Parakeet-TDT and Loom 3B with a SQLCipher-encrypted vault, Project Brain, private meeting diarization, and the Atlas document workspace.
On Turbo, Balanced mode is the default. Loom Turbo can process relevant note, document or screen content for supported answers and reports. Local Only keeps new request content on your Mac.
Local voice and storage · Loom Turbo cloud AI on Turbo
Request Beta AccessQuestions
Superwhisper alternatives, answered plainly.
Is Tyne a free alternative to Superwhisper?
Yes. Tyne’s Free plan includes unlimited on-device dictation with no word cap. Tyne is currently invite-only, so you need to request beta access before installing it.
Does Tyne dictation work offline?
Yes. After the speech models are installed, dictation and cleanup run on your Mac. Local Only keeps new AI request content on your Mac; live web search and Loom Turbo cloud answers require a connection.
Does Tyne upload my voice recordings?
No. Raw dictation and meeting audio are transcribed on your Mac and are not uploaded. On Turbo in Balanced mode, selected text or an image can be sent for a supported cloud answer, but raw audio and the full vault stay on your Mac.
Should I choose Superwhisper or Tyne?
Superwhisper is a strong choice if you value supports macos, windows, and ios with both local transcription and cloud models. Tyne is designed for people who want system-wide Mac dictation plus encrypted local notes and a document workspace.