Superwhisper alternative for iPhone
Superwhisper is a well-liked dictation app that started on the Mac, with on-device models, custom modes and a lifetime plan. On iPhone it needs iOS 26, and there is no documented way to point it at a speech server you run. If you self-host, or you want a full typing keyboard with voice in it, Diction is built for that.
Diction is a full keyboard for iPhone, written from the ground up, with voice built in. Tap the mic above the keys in any app, speak, and clean text lands at your cursor. You choose where your voice is turned into text: on your iPhone, on your server, or on Diction Cloud.
Side by side
Facts for the iPhone versions, from the App Store and each company's site, checked October 2026.
| Diction | Superwhisper (iPhone) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | On-device and self-hosted, no word limit | Unlimited small models, plus a Pro trial |
| Paid | Diction Cloud $5.99/month or $59.99/year | $8.49/month, $84.99/year, $249.99 lifetime |
| Where your voice goes | Your choice: your iPhone, your server, or Diction Cloud | On-device or Superwhisper's cloud models |
| Self-hosted speech server | Yes, open-source server, docker compose up, pair by QR | Not documented |
| Bring your own AI key | Your server can use any OpenAI-compatible LLM, Ollama included | Yes, for AI processing |
| Typing keyboard | Full QWERTY with autocorrect and next-word suggestions | Not documented |
| AI cleanup | Yes: filler words, grammar, formatting | Yes, custom modes |
| Edit text by voice | Yes: "make it shorter", "translate to Spanish" | Not documented for iPhone |
| Dictation languages | 99 | 100+ |
| App Store privacy label | Data Not Collected | Data Not Linked to You: Device ID, Diagnostics |
| Minimum iOS | 17 | 26 |
Where Superwhisper is the better pick
If you mainly dictate on a Mac and want the same app and modes on your phone, Superwhisper's Mac app is mature, and the lifetime plan suits people who dislike subscriptions.
Where Diction is the better pick
- You self-host. Diction sends your voice to a speech server you run, Whisper included, from any app on the phone. Free, no account, no limits.
- One keyboard for typing and voice. Autocorrect and suggestions on the phone, the mic one tap away.
- Works on iOS 17 and later.
- Diction Cloud has Live transcription and every Writing Tool for $5.99 a month.
Try it
Diction is on the App Store. On-device and self-hosted are free forever. Diction facts has everything on one page.