Choose Whisper Web if…
- You want Whisper's local privacy without a Python setup
- You need an editor and SRT or Word export, not a command line
- You work on a computer where you cannot install software
Choose OpenAI Whisper if…
- You need the large or turbo model on your own GPU
- You want custom code, fine-tuning or batch jobs
- You process very long files on hardware you control
Whisper Web vs OpenAI Whisper at a glance
| Feature | Whisper Web | OpenAI Whisper |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Whisper WebOpen a web page | OpenAI WhisperPython 3.8–3.11, PyTorch and the ffmpeg command-line tool |
| Interface | Whisper WebEditor with playback, search and exports | OpenAI WhisperCommand line or Python |
| Where it runs | Whisper WebFree mode: in your browser on your device | OpenAI WhisperOn your own machine or server |
| Hardware | Whisper WebWebGPU when available, otherwise WebAssembly on the CPU | OpenAI WhisperGPU recommended: about 1 GB VRAM for tiny up to about 10 GB for large |
| Models | Whisper Webtiny by default; base, small or medium by device | OpenAI Whispertiny to large and turbo |
| Exports | Whisper WebTXT, Word, JSON, SRT, VTT | OpenAI WhisperTXT, SRT, VTT, TSV, JSON via flags |
| Cost | Whisper WebFree local mode; Unlimited US$20/mo | OpenAI WhisperFree under the MIT licence; you supply the hardware |
OpenAI Whisper facts from its official pages, checked 8 Nov 2026. Confirm current plans on each site.
Setup
Whisper Web
Nothing to install. Open the page in Chrome or Edge for WebGPU acceleration; other browsers fall back to WebAssembly. The model downloads the first time you use it, then runs on your device.
OpenAI Whisper
The README expects Python 3.8 to 3.11, PyTorch and the ffmpeg command-line tool. A GPU makes the larger models practical: about 1 GB of VRAM for tiny, about 10 GB for large.
Verdict
If you are comfortable with Python and have a GPU, the open-source release gives you every model. If not, Whisper Web is the shortest path to the same model family.
Accuracy and model size
Whisper Web
Browser memory limits Whisper Web's local mode to the smaller models: tiny by default, then base, small or medium depending on your device. Unlimited runs long files in the cloud.
OpenAI Whisper
You can run large and turbo, which are usually more accurate on hard audio, provided your GPU has the memory.
Verdict
For the best accuracy on difficult recordings, a large model on your own GPU wins. For clear speech, the smaller models in the browser are often enough.
Where OpenAI Whisper is stronger
Every model size including large and turbo, full control over code and decoding options, fine-tuning, and batch processing on your own servers at no licence cost. Whisper Web trades that control for zero setup.
Frequently asked questions
Is Whisper Web the same as OpenAI Whisper?
No. OpenAI Whisper is the open-source model. Whisper Web is an independent app that runs Whisper models in your browser. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by OpenAI.
Can I use OpenAI Whisper online without installing anything?
Yes. Whisper Web runs Whisper in the browser, free for files up to 20 minutes and 200 MB. Start with Whisper transcription.
Do I need a GPU?
Not for Whisper Web, which uses WebGPU when your browser supports it and the CPU otherwise. Running open-source Whisper yourself is much faster with a GPU.
Is there a hosted Whisper API?
Yes. The Whisper API costs US$0.01 a minute with prepaid credits from US$10, and the Whisper MCP server connects it to Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor and Codex.