A VoiceInk alternative for Windows and Linux
VoiceInk is an open source dictation app for the Mac that transcribes locally. There is no VoiceInk for Windows or Linux. OiPer keeps the same workflow (hold a hotkey, speak, release) with on-device Whisper models, and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
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Why people choose OiPer
Local, on-device dictation on whatever computer you use.
Runs on Windows
VoiceInk is Mac only. OiPer runs Whisper locally on your PC and uses your graphics card automatically when one is available.
Read about ModelsRuns on Linux
OiPer ships AppImage, .deb and .rpm builds and types on X11 and Wayland through wtype, kwtype, dotool, ydotool or xdotool.
Read about InstallationLocal models on Intel Macs and older macOS
VoiceInk recommends cloud transcription on Intel Macs and needs a recent macOS. OiPer runs local models on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs from macOS 10.15 Catalina onwards.
Read about InstallationFree without a license
The ready-made VoiceInk app is sold as a one-time license with a 7-day trial, or you build it yourself. Local transcription in OiPer is free and unlimited, with no account and no trial.
Your own cloud, if any
Add an API key for OpenAI, Groq, Anthropic, OpenRouter or any OpenAI-compatible endpoint, including a local LLM server, for transcription or formatting.
Read about ModelsWhat carries over from VoiceInk
The features you rely on have a direct equivalent.
Modes become profiles
VoiceInk switches settings by app. In OiPer each profile has its own hotkey, language, model, formatting and auto submit, and you pick one by the shortcut you press.
Read about ProfilesAI enhancement becomes formatting
Normal, Prompt, Email, Formal and Casual presets clean up or rewrite your words, or write your own instructions. Formatting can also translate into just under a hundred languages.
Read about FormattingDictionary and word replacements
Add names and jargon to the dictionary for cloud and hosted transcription, and use snippets to expand shortcuts or fix a word local models keep getting wrong.
Read about SnippetsHistory
Every dictation is kept on your device with the transcript, the formatted text, timings and the original audio to play back.
Read about HistoryWhen VoiceInk is the better fit
An honest look at what OiPer does not do.
Open source
VoiceInk is open source under the GPL v3 license. OiPer is not open source.
Deep Mac integration
VoiceInk switches modes automatically by app or website, reads context from your screen and stores API keys in the macOS Keychain. It also has an iPhone app.
Audio files
VoiceInk can transcribe audio files. OiPer only transcribes live dictation.
OiPer vs VoiceInk
Feature by feature. Based on public information, checked October 2026.
| Feature | OiPer | VoiceInk |
|---|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 10.15 or later | Recent macOS only |
| Local models on Intel Macs | Yes | Not reliable, cloud recommended |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| Linux | Yes (AppImage, .deb, .rpm) | No |
| iPhone | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes, GPL v3 |
| Price | Local transcription free and unlimited | One-time license, 7-day trial |
| Your own API keys | Yes | Yes |
| AI formatting | Presets and custom instructions | Yes, with custom prompts |
| Different setups per task | Profiles, each on its own hotkey | Modes that switch by app or website |
| Custom dictionary | Yes | Yes |
| History | Yes, with audio playback | Yes |
| Audio files | No | Yes |
Questions, answered
What people ask before they start dictating with OiPer.
Is there a VoiceInk for Windows?
No. VoiceInk is a Mac app with an iPhone companion. OiPer offers local, on-device dictation on Windows and types what you say into any app.
Is there a VoiceInk for Linux?
No. OiPer runs on Linux, including Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora, with AppImage, .deb and .rpm builds and support for both X11 and Wayland.
What is the best VoiceInk alternative?
If you need Windows, Linux or an Intel Mac, OiPer gives you the same local hotkey dictation for free. If you want an open source Mac app, VoiceInk itself is a good choice.
Is VoiceInk free?
VoiceInk is open source, so you can build it yourself. The ready-made app is sold as a one-time license and starts with a 7-day trial. OiPer is free for unlimited local transcription.
Does OiPer work offline like VoiceInk?
Yes. In local mode OiPer transcribes on-device with a Whisper model stored on your computer, so dictation keeps working without an internet connection.
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.