Steno vs MacWhisper

MacWhisper and Steno are the two closest tools in this comparison: both run on-device on a Mac, both avoid meeting bots, and both are built on open-source speech models. The differences are cost and licensing, and scope — MacWhisper is a paid, closed-source transcription app that has added meeting features, while Steno is free, open source, and purpose-built as a meeting recorder and summarizer.

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At a glance

MacWhisper details as of 2026; check macwhisper.com for current pricing and features.

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Both are local and private

This is the one comparison where privacy posture is similar. MacWhisper transcribes on-device using Whisper and Parakeet, records system audio, and does not put a bot in your call — much like Steno. Both keep your audio on your Mac for the core transcription work, and both offer optional cloud AI features you can choose to turn on.

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The differences: cost, licensing, and scope

• Cost and licensing — Steno is free for personal and team use and open source (MIT), so you can inspect exactly how it handles your data. MacWhisper is a paid, closed-source app: a free tier plus a one-time Pro license (about €64 as of 2026) or a subscription via the Mac App Store. It is built on the open-source Whisper model, but the app itself is not open source.
• Scope — MacWhisper is a broad transcription tool: batch-transcribe files, transcribe media URLs, export subtitles, and more. Steno is purpose-built for meetings: record a call, get a live transcript, and get structured notes and action items from on-device summarization, with editable report templates.

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When to choose Steno

• You want a free, open-source tool you can audit
• You want on-device meeting summaries and notes, not just a transcript
• You want a purpose-built meeting recorder (live transcript, templates, ask-your-meetings)

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When to choose MacWhisper

• You transcribe a wide range of files and media, not only meetings
• You want batch transcription, subtitle export, or media-URL transcription
• A paid, closed-source app with a one-time license suits you

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Are both Steno and MacWhisper on-device?

Yes — both run their core transcription on your Mac and avoid a meeting bot. The main differences are that Steno is free for personal and team use and open source with on-device meeting summarization built in, while MacWhisper is a paid, closed-source transcription tool with a broader file/media focus.

Which is better for meeting notes specifically?

Steno is purpose-built for meetings: it records the call, shows a live transcript, and generates structured summaries and action items on-device, with editable templates. MacWhisper can transcribe meetings and add AI summaries, but its heritage is general-purpose transcription.