Yaps vs MacWhisper
MacWhisper is a well-built Mac app for transcribing audio files using local Whisper models. Yaps takes a different approach - real-time dictation, text-to-speech, voice notes, a studio editor, voice commands, and smart history. Core features run locally on your Mac. Here's how they compare.
MacWhisper processes files after the fact. Yaps gives you words as fast as you can speak them.
How Yaps compares
Both apps process audio locally on your Mac. They solve different problems - MacWhisper transcribes files, Yaps is a real-time voice toolkit.
| Feature | Yaps | MacWhisper |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time Dictation | Yes | Partial |
| Audio File Transcription | Max plan | Yes |
| Text-to-Speech | Yes | No |
| Voice Notes | Yes | No |
| Studio Editor | Yes | No |
| Voice Commands | Yes | No |
| Smart History | Yes | No |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Local Processing | Yes | Yes |
| Batch Transcription | No | Yes |
| Free Tier | 5K words/week | Basic free |
| Price | From $0/mo | $30 one-time |
MacWhisper is excellent for its core job: importing audio files and transcribing them locally. Yaps is built for a different workflow - real-time dictation as you type, plus five more voice tools. If you need file-based batch transcription, MacWhisper is great. If you want a voice-first productivity toolkit, Yaps has you covered.
Typing vs Dictation
Same sentence. Watch the difference.
Typing
~40 WPM
Dictation
~150 WPM
Six features beyond transcription
MacWhisper transcribes files. Yaps is a real-time voice productivity suite. Here's what comes in the box.
Speech-to-Text
Hold Fn and speak. Words appear at your cursor, in any app, with auto-punctuation and smart formatting. No importing files, no waiting - just real-time dictation tuned for Apple Silicon.
Text-to-Speech
Select text and have it read aloud. Catch errors by listening, proofread hands-free, or use it for accessibility. Multiple voices and speeds available.
Voice Notes
Record voice memos that are instantly transcribed and searchable. Capture ideas on the go and review them later as text - no manual transcription needed.
Studio Editor
A purpose-built text-to-speech workspace. Write or paste your script, choose from 18+ voices, and generate audio with waveform preview. Export as WAV with SRT subtitles - all processed on your Mac.
Voice Commands
Control your Mac by voice. Open apps, switch windows, and trigger custom actions without touching your keyboard or trackpad.
Smart History
A searchable log of everything you've dictated. Find past transcriptions by date, content, or context. Nothing is lost.
Hear from people like you.
“I use both, honestly. MacWhisper is my go-to for transcribing interview recordings and podcast episodes - the batch processing is great for that. But for daily writing, emails, and capturing quick thoughts, Yaps is what I reach for. The real-time dictation is a completely different experience from importing an audio file.”
Sarah Lindqvist
Podcast Producer
Related reading
More than transcription
Six voice tools. Real-time dictation. Free tier. Zero cloud. Try Yaps and hear the difference.
Requires macOS 13.0+ (Apple Silicon recommended)