Choose Whisper Web if…
- You cannot install software on your work computer
- You switch between Windows, Mac and Linux
- You want a Word document as well as subtitles
Choose Whisper desktop apps if…
- You transcribe very long files on a powerful computer
- You want the largest models fully offline
Whisper Web vs Whisper desktop apps at a glance
| Feature | Whisper Web | Whisper desktop apps |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Whisper WebAny modern browser | Whisper desktop appsBuzz: Windows, macOS on Apple silicon, Linux. Whisper Desktop: 64-bit Windows only |
| Install | Whisper WebNone | Whisper desktop appsDesktop app; Whisper Desktop needs a Direct3D 11 GPU |
| Runs offline | Whisper WebFree mode runs on your device after the model loads | Whisper desktop appsYes |
| Exports | Whisper WebTXT, Word, JSON, SRT, VTT | Whisper desktop appsBuzz: TXT, SRT, VTT |
| Maintenance | Whisper WebUpdated web app | Whisper desktop appsBuzz is active (MIT); Whisper Desktop's README says no updates since 2023 |
| Long files in the cloud | Whisper WebUnlimited: up to 10 hours or 5 GB | Whisper desktop appsNo |
Whisper desktop apps facts from its official pages, checked 8 Nov 2026. Confirm current plans on each site.
Install and platforms
Whisper Web
No installer, admin rights or GPU driver checks. It works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari on Windows, Mac, Linux and ChromeOS.
Whisper desktop apps
Buzz runs on Windows, macOS on Apple silicon and Linux. Const-me's Whisper Desktop runs on 64-bit Windows with a Direct3D 11 GPU and AVX1 and F16C CPU support, and its README says it has not been updated since 2023.
Verdict
On a locked-down work laptop or a Chromebook, Whisper Web is the one you can use. On your own powerful machine, Buzz is a solid free choice.
Long files and model size
Whisper Web
A browser tab has less memory than a desktop app, so free local mode uses the smaller models and caps files at 20 minutes. Unlimited is US$20 a month or US$120 a year for cloud transcription of files up to 10 hours or 5 GB.
Whisper desktop apps
A desktop app can use more memory and larger models, fully offline, for files of any length your computer can handle.
Verdict
For hours-long recordings fully offline, a desktop app wins. For short files anywhere, or long files in the cloud, Whisper Web is simpler.
Where Whisper desktop apps is stronger
Buzz is free, open source and works fully offline on Windows, macOS and Linux, with access to larger models than a browser tab can hold. Const-me's README also warns that the site whisperdesktop.com impersonates the project: download desktop apps only from their official repositories.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Whisper desktop app for Windows?
Yes. Buzz runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and Const-me's Whisper Desktop runs on 64-bit Windows, though its README says it has not been updated since 2023. Whisper Web runs Whisper in the browser without installing anything.
Can I run Whisper offline in a browser?
Free mode runs on your device. The first run downloads the model files; after that, transcription happens locally.
Is Buzz free?
Buzz is open source under the MIT licence and offers free downloads from its GitHub page.
What about whisperdesktop.com?
Const-me's README warns that whisperdesktop.com impersonates the project. Download desktop apps only from their official repositories.