Superwhisper for Windows: what it is, and a Windows-first alternative
Superwhisper started on the Mac and now has a Windows app: on-device models, push-to-talk, context-aware modes, $8 a month. That is close to what Holdkey is. The differences are where the products started and what they optimise for: Holdkey is Windows-only, measures release-to-text latency on every dictation, and keeps Raw mode free with no cap.
Last checked September 2026. Facts about other products come from their public pages and reviews; tell us if something changed.
| Holdkey | Superwhisper (Windows) | |
|---|---|---|
| Runs | On your PC, fully offline after a one-time model download | On-device models on Windows 10/11; offline (per their Windows page) |
| Origin | Built for Windows first, in Rust; under 100 MB idle | Mac app first; Windows version added later |
| Trigger | Hold one key, release. No wake word, no window to focus | Push-to-talk and hotkeys |
| Latency | Measured and shown on every dictation: tens of ms in Raw, Clean cleans while you talk (see /benchmark) | Not published |
| Long dictations | Transcribed as you pause; nothing is lost; every dictation kept in a local history | Transcribed after you stop |
| Modes | Raw and Clean; the destination app sets the style automatically, nothing to pick | Many modes and custom prompts, chosen per app or manually |
| Free plan | Raw unlimited, Clean 30 dictations a day, no expiry | Free tier that does not expire (limits not stated on the Windows page) |
| Price | $8/mo, $69/yr, $99 lifetime (first 150) | Pro $8/mo |
When Superwhisper is the better choice
You already use it on a Mac and want the same modes on Windows, you want many custom prompt modes, or you dictate in languages Holdkey does not expose yet.
When Holdkey is the better choice
You live in Claude Code, Cursor or a terminal on Windows and care about the half second between letting go of the key and the text landing. You want the free tier to stay useful (Raw is unlimited). You would rather the app never ask you to pick a mode.
Free to start, no account, runs on your PC. Hold a key, talk, release.
Get Holdkey for Windows