OpenASR

Free#24 of 27 in Dictation SoftwareAi Dictation Apps Audio Transcription Software

OpenASR: A broad open-source option for private, offline transcription across desktop, CLI, and API workflows. Ranked #24 of 27 in Dictation Software by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Open source; best for open-source offline transcription users.

6.3/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
6.3 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Open-source offline transcription users
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Runs transcription locally across macOS, Windows, and Linux
- Dictates into focused apps and provides live captions
- Offers CLI, local HTTP, and OpenAI-compatible API access
Where it doesn't
- No verified custom vocabulary support
- No verified voice-command support
- Desktop applications are closed source

Our verdict on OpenASR

OpenASR is a local-first speech-to-text project for people who want offline transcription across desktop and developer workflows. Its macOS and Windows applications transcribe audio files, insert dictated text into the focused application, and display live captions from microphone or system audio. A Rust CLI and local HTTP API extend coverage to Linux and server-style use, while locally installed model packs handle speech processing. OpenASR does not require an account, and normal transcription uses no cloud backend or telemetry.

Platform breadth is a central strength. Users can choose desktop applications, offline CLI transcription, or a local HTTP and OpenAI-compatible transcription API without changing the core on-device approach. The local model catalog uses verified .oasr model packs, and speaker separation with optional Voice ID adds structure for recordings involving multiple speakers. This makes OpenASR a practical fit for users who value local processing but still need more than a single dictation window. The open core is released under the Apache-2.0 license.

The main trade-off is feature focus. OpenASR does not provide verified custom vocabulary or voice commands, so it is less suitable for users who need extensive terminology tuning or command-driven control. Its core is open source, but the macOS and Windows desktop applications are closed-source products built on that core. Choose OpenASR for local, offline transcription with desktop, CLI, and API options; choose an alternative if custom vocabulary, voice commands, or fully open desktop applications are essential.

Your product? Our editors can test OpenASR in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

OpenASR pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on openasr.org

OpenASR fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	macOS, Windows, Linux (CLI/server)
Language count	Not verified
Custom vocabulary	Not verified
Voice commands	Not verified
Offline dictation	Yes
Privacy model	On-device
Deployment	Self-hosted, Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Open source
Website	openasr.org
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to OpenASR

See all OpenASR alternatives →

Also Ranked In

OpenASR is ranked in 3 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

OpenASR is listed in our Dictation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update