Volna and MacWhisper side by side
| Volna | MacWhisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Dictation into any app | Transcribing audio, video and meetings; dictation too |
| Recognition on your Mac | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free while in beta | Free version; Pro €64, paid once |
| Transcribes files and meetings | No | Yes |
| Where to get it | ivolna.com | Its website (Gumroad) or the App Store |
MacWhisper's details are from its own website (macwhisper.com), checked October 23, 2026. Prices and plans change; check there for the current ones. MacWhisper is a trademark of its owner; Volna is not affiliated with it.
Choose MacWhisper if
- You have recordings to turn into text: interviews, lectures, meetings, podcasts, videos.
- You want recordings, meetings and dictation in one app.
Choose Volna if
- You want to write with your voice: emails, messages, notes, prompts, code comments.
- You want one key in every app (the right ⌘, or ⌥Space) and the text where your cursor is, about a second after you stop speaking.
- You want Volna to learn your names and terms and the corrections you make.
- You want it free while in beta.
Volna does not transcribe audio files or meetings today. If that is most of what you need, MacWhisper is the better fit; many people keep a transcriber for recordings and Volna for everyday writing.