Handy vs Superwhisper: Which Dictation App Should You Choose in 2026?

TL;DR

• Choose Handy if you want a free, open-source, local dictation app for Mac, Windows or Linux.

• Choose Superwhisper if you want configurable AI modes, local or cloud models, and apps for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.

• Choose Voicy if you want simple dictation on every device, including Linux and the browser, with rewriting and file transcription.

• Pricing snapshot: Handy is free. Superwhisper has a free local plan; Pro is $8.49/month, $84.99/year or $249.99 lifetime. Voicy is $8.49/month, $82/year or $260 lifetime.

• Privacy snapshot: Handy transcribes locally. Superwhisper is local with local models and cloud with cloud models. Voicy is cloud by default with an offline mode on desktop.

Both Handy and Superwhisper offer free local dictation. Handy keeps it simple and runs on Linux; Superwhisper adds AI modes and phone apps. Voicy is the simplest way to get dictation on every device, including Linux and the browser.

Answer-First Verdict

Handy wins on simplicity and openness. It is free, open source, transcribes locally, runs on Linux, and now imports audio files.

Superwhisper wins on features. Its free plan includes unlimited local dictation, and Pro adds AI modes, cloud models, file transcription and phone apps.

Voicy belongs in this decision if you want Linux like Handy, phones like Superwhisper, and a browser extension, without configuring models.

Handy is a free, open-source desktop dictation app with local speech recognition.

Superwhisper offers local and cloud models with configurable AI modes.

Handy vs Superwhisper at a Glance

When Handy Is the Better Choice

Handy is the better fit when you want free, open-source dictation that stays on your computer, with as few settings as possible. For a closer look, see our full Handy review.

• You want to pay nothing.

• You use Linux.

• You only dictate on a computer.

• You want an open-source app.

Handy's AI cleanup is experimental, and it has no phone app.

When Superwhisper Is the Better Choice

Superwhisper is the better fit when you want AI modes, a choice of local and cloud models, and phone apps. For a closer look, see our full Superwhisper review.

• You want configurable modes for emails, notes and messages.

• You dictate on iPhone or Android.

• You want file transcription on Pro.

• You want a lifetime option.

Superwhisper has no Linux app, and only some AI cleanup runs locally.

Where Voicy Fits

Voicy is the practical choice if you want dictation on every device without configuring models.

Voicy adds what neither app offers in one place:

• Every device: Linux like Handy, phones like Superwhisper, plus a browser extension.

• Offline mode on Mac, Windows and Linux.

• Rewriting: Rewrite Mode with no modes or models to set up.

• File transcription: upload audio or video of up to 60 minutes each.

• One plan for all devices: $82 a year, or $260 once.

More than 10,000 people use Voicy, and they have dictated over 500 million words. Try Voicy free: the trial includes 30 minutes of recording and every feature, with no card needed.

Pricing and Cost Over Time

Handy is free for desktop use. Among paid plans, Voicy and Superwhisper Pro cost almost the same, and Voicy covers more devices, including Linux and the browser.

Privacy, Cloud, and Offline Processing

Handy transcribes on your computer. Optional cloud cleanup sends text to the provider you configure. History can keep transcripts and recordings on disk; set the entry limit to zero or turn on auto-deletion if you don't want them stored.

Superwhisper keeps dictation on your device when you use a local voice model without cloud cleanup. Choosing a cloud voice or language model changes the processing path. Its local S1-mini cleanup covers English Message and Mail modes on compatible Mac and Windows devices. See its sensitive-data guide.

Voicy is cloud by default. In the Mac, Windows and Linux apps, offline mode runs normal dictation on your computer after a one-time model download, so that audio stays on your device. Rewrite Mode, Custom Modes and file transcription use the internet. Voicy does not keep normal recordings or transcripts on its servers or use them to train AI,.

Bottom Line

Handy is the best free pick for local desktop dictation, especially on Linux. Superwhisper is the pick for configurable AI modes and phone apps.

If you want dictation on every device, including Linux, phones and the browser, with rewriting and file transcription, choose Voicy.

FAQs

Is Handy better than Superwhisper?

Handy is better if you want free, open-source local dictation, especially on Linux. Superwhisper is better for AI modes, cloud models and phone apps. If you want every device including Linux and the browser, compare Voicy.

Is Superwhisper free?

Yes. Superwhisper's Free plan includes unlimited local dictation, up to two modes, vocabulary and text replacements. Pro is $8.49 a month, $84.99 a year or $249.99 lifetime.

Can Handy transcribe audio files?

Yes. Handy 0.10.0 can transcribe imported audio files through its History.

Is all Superwhisper AI cleanup available offline?

No. Its local S1-mini model covers English cleanup in Message and Mail modes on compatible Mac and Windows devices. Other modes and meeting summaries use cloud models.

Which has a Linux app?

Handy and Voicy both have Linux apps. Superwhisper does not list Linux.

Which has phone apps?

Superwhisper and Voicy both have iPhone and Android apps. Handy is desktop-only.

Where does Voicy fit in this comparison?

Voicy is the all-device option: Mac, Windows, Linux, a browser extension, iPhone and Android, with offline dictation on desktop, rewriting and file transcription. It needs no model setup. It costs $8.49 a month, $82 a year or $260 lifetime after a free trial.

Does Voicy have a free plan?

Voicy has a free trial with 30 minutes of recording and every feature, with no credit card. Paid plans are $8.49 per month, $82 per year, or $260 lifetime.