The Local Transcription Philosophy
Both TokKong and SuperWhisper share a core belief: your voice data shouldn't need to leave your device. They both use OpenAI's Whisper model for on-device transcription. But they're built for different platforms and different workflows.
Platform Availability
SuperWhisper
- Mac only (macOS 13+)
- Deep system integration
- Menu bar access
- Global hotkey support
TokKong
- iPhone, iPad, and Mac (via Apple Silicon)
- Universal purchase across devices
- iOS Shortcuts integration
- Mobile-first design
If you primarily work on a Mac and want system-wide dictation, SuperWhisper is purpose-built for that. If you need transcription on your phone or want the same app across all Apple devices, TokKong covers more ground.
Feature Comparison
Transcription Modes
SuperWhisper focuses heavily on dictation - speaking to type anywhere in macOS. It's designed to replace your keyboard for text input across any application.
TokKong focuses on recording and transcription of longer-form audio. It's built for meetings, lectures, voice memos, and audio files rather than quick dictation bursts.
AI Models
Both use Whisper, but with different configurations:
- SuperWhisper: Offers multiple Whisper model sizes, from tiny to large
- TokKong: Uses optimized Whisper models plus additional LLM integration for text processing
Text Processing
SuperWhisper primarily outputs raw transcription. It excels at speed and accuracy for dictation.
TokKong includes built-in AI text processing with local LLMs. You can summarize transcripts, reformat text, extract action items, or apply custom prompts - all without sending data to the cloud.
Import Capabilities
- SuperWhisper: Primarily focused on live dictation
- TokKong: Can import audio files (MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC) from WhatsApp, Voice Memos, or any source
Siri Shortcuts
TokKong offers Siri Shortcuts integration, enabling automation workflows on iOS. SuperWhisper doesn't have iOS Shortcuts support since it's Mac-only.
Setup and Configuration
SuperWhisper
SuperWhisper requires some technical setup:
- Downloading Whisper models
- Configuring hotkeys
- Setting up application-specific behaviors
- Managing model storage
It offers more customization but has a steeper learning curve.
TokKong
TokKong aims for simplicity:
- Download and start recording
- AI models download on first use
- Minimal configuration needed
- Works immediately out of the box
Performance Considerations
SuperWhisper
On Mac, SuperWhisper can leverage full desktop CPU/GPU power for faster transcription of the larger Whisper models. Real-time dictation is smooth on modern Macs.
TokKong
On iPhone and iPad, TokKong is optimized for mobile hardware. Transcription speed is excellent on recent devices (A14 chip and newer). The Mac version via Catalyst also performs well on Apple Silicon.
Language Support
Both apps support the same languages through Whisper:
- 99+ languages
- Automatic language detection
- Mixed-language transcription support
Privacy Approach
Both apps process locally with no cloud upload. However:
- SuperWhisper requires a license key (account-based licensing)
- TokKong works without any account - completely anonymous use possible
Pricing
SuperWhisper
- Free trial available
- $9/month subscription OR
- ~$99 lifetime purchase
TokKong
- Free tier with basic features
- One-time Pro purchase (lower than SuperWhisper's lifetime)
- No subscription option
Use Case Recommendations
Choose SuperWhisper If:
- You work primarily on Mac
- You need system-wide dictation as keyboard replacement
- You want granular control over Whisper model selection
- Real-time dictation speed is your priority
Choose TokKong If:
- You need transcription on iPhone or iPad
- You record meetings, lectures, or long-form audio
- You want built-in AI text processing
- You import audio files from various sources
- You want iOS Shortcuts automation
Summary
SuperWhisper and TokKong solve different problems in the offline transcription space.
SuperWhisper is a power-user dictation tool for Mac. It replaces your keyboard with voice input across the entire system.
TokKong is a mobile-first transcription and AI text processing app. It handles recordings, imported audio, and includes LLM-powered features beyond raw transcription.
Many users in privacy-focused workflows use SuperWhisper on their Mac and TokKong on their iPhone - they complement each other rather than compete directly.
