Two ways to
get the words.
The technical questions.
Does superwhisper need an internet connection? Does HearFlow?
Superwhisper mostly does not: its local Whisper models run on the machine, with the model size depending on the hardware, and a connection is needed only for the opt-in cloud models or cloud post-processing.
HearFlow on Mac does need one by default: the audio goes to api.hearflow.it and from there to Groq (United States), which returns the text. If that service cannot be reached and the local Whisper model has been downloaded, the app falls back to your Mac — that model is not part of the download, so treat it as a bonus rather than a promise. On Windows, transcription always runs on your PC.
Where does my audio go with superwhisper, and where with HearFlow?
With its local models, superwhisper keeps the audio on your device; its opt-in cloud models and cloud formatting modes send data out when you turn them on.
HearFlow on Mac sends the audio to api.hearflow.it and from there to Groq (United States) for transcription, then it comes back as text: the transcription endpoint does not store the audio or the transcript, only usage counters; dictations are kept only if you turn on Audios sync (90 days). On Windows nothing leaves the PC.
Does superwhisper have a personal dictionary like HearFlow’s?
Yes: superwhisper’s Custom Vocabulary lets you save names, abbreviations and specialised terms for persistent use, the same job HearFlow’s dictionary does.
Both apply the correction while transcribing, on device.
How much does superwhisper cost compared with HearFlow?
At the time of checking, superwhisper Free runs unlimited small local models with a 15-minute Pro trial; Pro is $8.49 per month, $84.99 per year (about $7.08 a month), or $249.99 once for a lifetime licence covering macOS, Windows and iOS.
HearFlow is €15 a month, €12 a month billed yearly (€144 a year), or €249 once for a lifetime licence, with 14 days of Pro to start and then a free plan of 2,000 words a week on Mac. On the one-off licence the two apps now cost about the same, so price is not the reason to pick one.
Is HearFlow a meeting recorder, or does it offer writing modes like superwhisper?
No, on both counts, and on purpose. Superwhisper records meetings, transcribes uploaded audio and video, and lets you switch between Formal, Casual, Legal or Chat presets.
HearFlow is live dictation with one consistent style: nothing recorded in the background, nothing to configure before you talk.
What about a comparison with Wispr Flow instead?
Different competitor, same page structure: read HearFlow vs Wispr Flow.
Nothing to configure.
No modes to pick, no meeting bot, no model to choose. Just ⌥Space and your own words, right the first time.
Download for MacmacOS 13+ on Apple silicon · Windows x64 · €249 one-time