Feature comparison
| Feature | Penwright | Cloud dictation tools |
|---|---|---|
| Processing location | Fully on your Mac | Cloud servers (typically) |
| Content uploads | None | Voice/text may be uploaded |
| Offline dictation | Yes | Usually not |
| Voice transforms on selected text | Yes | – |
| Sees surrounding field context | Yes | – |
| Cleanup model runs on-device | Yes | No (cloud) |
| German as a first-class language | Yes | Varies |
| Pricing | €84/year (VAT incl.) | ~$96–144/year |
| AI text cleanup | Yes (local) | Yes (cloud LLMs typically) |
| Custom words | Yes | Varies |
| Voice shortcuts | Yes | Varies |
| Works in any app | Yes | Usually yes |
| Data stays on device | Yes | Varies |
| Best for | Privacy-focused Mac users | Users needing cloud AI power |
Wispr Flow: $144/yr, Willow: $144/yr, Aqua: $96/yr, Superwhisper: ~$84.99/yr. Penwright Pro: €84/year, VAT included. Prices as of July 2026.
Why choose Penwright
Where cloud tools may have an edge
Penwright limitations to consider
Frequently asked questions
Why choose local dictation over cloud dictation?
Local dictation keeps your voice and text on your device. Nothing is uploaded to remote servers. This matters for privacy-sensitive work, legal documents, medical notes, proprietary code, personal communications.
Does local dictation work as well as cloud dictation?
Modern local AI models are remarkably capable. Penwright uses on-device models for both transcription and text cleanup. For most dictation use cases, the quality difference is minimal.
Does Penwright work offline?
Yes. After the initial setup, Penwright works fully offline. No internet connection required for dictation or text cleanup.
Is Apple's built-in dictation enough?
Apple's dictation gives you raw transcription. Penwright adds local AI cleanup, removing filler words, fixing grammar, and formatting your text professionally. Plus custom words and voice shortcuts.