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whisper.cpp vs MacWhisper: catalog facts
whisper.cpp	MacWhisper
Free Free and open source.	Freemium Sold through Gumroad; check the store page for the current free and paid options.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	macOS
Transcribes speech fully offline No Python dependency	Transcription runs locally on the Mac Choice of Whisper, Qwen and Parakeet models
Mainly a command-line tool with no bundled graphical interface Models must be downloaded separately	macOS only Closed source
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.