A local, offline Aqua Voice alternative
Aqua Voice is a fast dictation app that transcribes in the cloud with its own Avalon model, so it needs an internet connection. OiPer keeps the hotkey workflow but transcribes locally with on-device Whisper models, works offline and also runs on Linux.
Updated
Why people switch to OiPer
Dictation that does not depend on someone else’s server.
Local, on-device transcription
Aqua Voice processes audio in its cloud. OiPer runs Whisper on your own CPU or GPU, so in local mode your audio is never uploaded.
Read about ModelsWorks offline
Aqua Voice needs an internet connection. OiPer keeps working on a plane, on a train or behind a strict company firewall.
Read about ModelsNo word limit
Aqua Voice’s free plan includes 1,000 words. Local transcription in OiPer is free and unlimited, with no account required.
Runs on Linux
Aqua Voice has no Linux app. OiPer ships AppImage, .deb and .rpm builds with X11 and Wayland support.
Read about InstallationNothing stored on a server
Aqua Voice may keep transcripts on its servers unless you turn on Privacy Mode. In OiPer’s local mode, transcripts, audio and history stay in one folder on your computer.
Read about Security & Data HandlingWhat carries over from Aqua Voice
The features you rely on have a direct equivalent.
Custom instructions become formatting
Normal, Prompt, Email, Formal and Casual presets rewrite what you said, or write your own instructions. Formatting can also translate into just under a hundred languages.
Read about FormattingCustom dictionary
Add names, products and jargon so cloud and hosted transcription spell them your way. For local models, a snippet can fix a word that keeps coming out wrong.
Read about DictionarySend it, hands-free
Auto submit presses Enter, Ctrl + Enter or another combination after the text is inserted, set per profile.
Read about ProfilesCloud accuracy when you want it
Bring your own API key for OpenAI, Groq or any OpenAI-compatible provider, or use OiPer’s hosted models on a paid plan, for one profile or all of them.
Read about ModelsWhen Aqua Voice is the better fit
An honest look at what OiPer does not do.
Phones too
Aqua Voice has iPhone and Android apps. OiPer is a desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Screen-aware formatting and live text
Aqua Voice reads what is on your screen to format for the app you are in, and its Max plan shows words as you speak. OiPer inserts the text after you release the hotkey.
Team rollouts
Aqua Voice’s Business plan adds SSO, SCIM, team dictionaries and zero data retention. OiPer is built for individuals today.
OiPer vs Aqua Voice
Feature by feature. Based on public information, checked October 2026.
| Feature | OiPer | Aqua Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes, Apple Silicon and Intel | Yes |
| Linux | Yes (AppImage, .deb, .rpm) | No |
| iPhone and Android | No | Yes |
| Where speech is transcribed | Locally, on your device | In Aqua Voice’s cloud |
| Works offline | Yes | No, needs internet |
| Free plan | Unlimited local transcription | 1,000 words |
| Transcripts kept on a server | Never in local mode | Possible unless Privacy Mode is on |
| Choose your speech model | Tiny to Large v3 Turbo, your own provider or OiPer’s | Avalon |
| Custom dictionary | Yes | Yes |
| Custom formatting instructions | Yes | Pro plan |
| Words appear as you speak | No | Max plan |
| Team admin and SSO | No | Business plan |
Questions, answered
What people ask before they start dictating with OiPer.
Is OiPer a good Aqua Voice alternative?
If you want local, on-device transcription, offline dictation or Linux support, yes. If you need phone apps, live text as you speak or team admin controls, Aqua Voice covers those and OiPer does not.
Does Aqua Voice work offline?
No. Aqua Voice processes audio in the cloud to run its Avalon model, so it needs an internet connection. OiPer transcribes locally on your device and keeps working offline.
Is Aqua Voice free?
Aqua Voice has a free plan with 1,000 words, and paid plans for unlimited words. OiPer is free for unlimited local transcription with no account.
Is there an Aqua Voice alternative for Linux?
Yes. OiPer runs on Linux, including Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora, with AppImage, .deb and .rpm builds and support for both X11 and Wayland.
Is there a private Aqua Voice alternative?
Yes. In local mode OiPer transcribes with a Whisper model on your own computer, so your audio never leaves your device, and history stays on your computer.
Is OiPer open source?
No. OiPer Desktop is not open source. Local transcription is free and unlimited, runs entirely on your device and needs no account.