A Superwhisper alternative for Mac
Updated 12 October 2026
Kords and Superwhisper both put privacy first and can run speech recognition on your own Mac. Kords adds an optional Cloud mode for higher accuracy, hands-free lock, household plans and a free tier. Check Superwhisper's own site for its models, platforms and pricing.
The short version
- Choose Kords if you want private on-device dictation that is free to start, with a simple optional Cloud mode and household plans.
- Choose Superwhisper if you want to pick and run specific speech models yourself, and its approach to running them locally suits you.
Kords and Superwhisper side by side
| Kords | Superwhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on your Mac | Yes, by default, using Apple's on-device speech recognition | Yes, it focuses on running speech models locally, according to Superwhisper |
| Optional cloud | Yes. Cloud mode for higher accuracy, off until you switch it on | See Superwhisper |
| Free to start | Yes. Unlimited on-device dictation, plus about 2,000 Cloud words a week | See Superwhisper's pricing |
| Start and stop | Hold to talk, or double-tap to lock on hands-free | See Superwhisper |
| Households | Duo for 2 people and Family for up to 6, each with their own account, history and dictionary | See Superwhisper |
| Translation | Spanish, French or German | See Superwhisper |
Where Kords is different
- Nothing to set up. It starts with Apple's on-device recognition, so there is no model to choose or download to begin.
- Your words, as you said them. Kords tidies punctuation and hesitations without rewording you.
- A way up when you need it. Switch on Cloud mode for tricky names, accents or noise, and switch it off again.
- Small things. A dictionary with sounds-like hints, British spelling and pounds, and a mouse-button shortcut.
Where Superwhisper may suit you better
If you want fine control over which speech model runs on your Mac, that is the kind of control Superwhisper is known for. Kords keeps the choices simple on purpose.
Compared in October 2026 using what Superwhisper says about itself. Products change, so check their own site for the latest. Superwhisper is a trademark of its owner, and Kords is not affiliated with it.
Questions people ask
Is Kords a good Superwhisper alternative?
If you want private dictation on your Mac that is free to start and simple to use, yes. If you want to choose and manage speech models yourself, Superwhisper's approach may suit you better.
Does Kords work offline?
Yes. In on-device mode Kords works without the internet. Cloud mode, Voices and server translation need a connection.
Is Kords free?
Yes, to download and use on-device. Paid plans, from £6.99 a month, add Cloud accuracy, Voices and translation for all your dictation.