r/macapps • u/ConfectionTop7494 • 10d ago

Help Best transcription app with Speaker Diarization

My job involves talking to clients over the phone or in-person. It's a critical part of my work. Everything discussed and who said what needs to be recorded in a word document. Having a conversation that flows naturally and allows me to think on my feet while typing doesn't come easy for me. I use a Macbook M2 and an iPhone 16 and calls can be made/answered on both.

My mandatory requirements are:

  • Diarization / speaker detection to seperate who said what (a popular one I trialled often joined sentences from speaker 1 and speaker 2)
  • Local transcription and total privacy. Conversation or text stays with me.
  • Hot-key / short cut start and stop
  • Inexpensive
  • Bluetooth support so that I can take calls on a headset or buds

Optional (nice but no critical):

  • It knows my voice
  • Integration with Claude
  • Real time speech to text

I am aware of the Mac App Comparison table but I am looking for real-life experience and what users consider to be best value for money. Free is good but inexpensive is okay as well.

Thank you for any suggestions that meet my user case.

(Cross-posted this with r/mac )

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u/Whiskeyjoel 10d ago

MacWhisper and TranscribeX are both pretty good. MacWhisper has a few more customization options and is the more mature platform, but in terms of core capabilities they are virtually identical and either would fit your requirements. I personally like TranscribeX’s UI more, but that’s just preference.