Vibe
Don’t want to install Vibe? Drop the file here.
The first 20 minutes of any recording are transcribed free: a recording up to 20 minutes transcribes in full, a longer one is previewed, and a pack from $6 (500 minutes) transcribes the rest and opens every export, and credits never expire.
Open-source desktop transcription and dictation app built on Whisper.
Best for power users wanting a polished free local Whisper transcription app across all three desktops. Pricing: free, open source.
What it is
Vibe is a free open-source desktop transcription app built on Whisper. Cross-platform with clean UI.
Watch out for: Whisper-only; accuracy matches the chosen Whisper model.
Install / use
thewh1teagle.github.io/vibe — free, open source
What people actually do with Vibe-style transcription
The tool is the means. These are the jobs — each one priced at published rates, each one wired up on its own page.
Features
| Speaker diarization | No |
| Word-level timestamps | No |
| Streaming / real-time | No |
| Languages supported | 99 |
| HIPAA eligible | No |
Links
Vibe vs Whipscribe
| Feature | Vibe | Whipscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Open source | Transcription APIs |
| Pricing | free, open source | $6–$24 one-time packs (credits never expire) · first 20 minutes free |
| Speaker identification | — | Named in the summary, key quotes and chapters |
| Word timestamps | — | Yes |
| Streaming | — | No |
| Languages | 99 | 99 |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | Web, API, MCP |
Alternatives to Vibe
Frequently asked about Vibe
Is Vibe free?
Yes. Vibe is free and open source (free, open source).
Does Vibe work on Mac, Windows and Linux?
Vibe runs on macOS, Windows and Linux.
How do I get started with Vibe?
There is nothing to install — Vibe is used in the browser. Create an account on the vendor's site and upload or connect your audio.
How many languages does Vibe support?
Vibe lists 99 languages. That is the Whisper-family multilingual set, so quality varies by language — English and the large European languages are strongest.
Does Vibe identify different speakers?
No. Vibe does not label speakers; a conversation comes back as one continuous text. If you need speaker labels, that is a separate tool or a different service.
Does Vibe give word-level timestamps?
No — Vibe produces segment or sentence timing only, so subtitle cues can land mid-word.
Can Vibe transcribe live audio?
No — Vibe works on finished files, not a live stream.
Is Vibe HIPAA compliant?
Vibe does not claim HIPAA compliance. For PHI, run it on infrastructure you control or choose a service that will sign a BAA.
What are the limitations of Vibe?
Whisper-only; accuracy matches the chosen Whisper model.
Who is Vibe best for?
Power users wanting a polished free local Whisper transcription app across all three desktops.
Does Vibe run offline?
Vibe runs on your own machine — it is open source, so nothing leaves the computer unless you configure it to.
Can I use Vibe in the browser?
No — Vibe is a macOS, Windows and Linux application, not a web app. You install it rather than sign in to it.
Where is the Vibe source code?
On GitHub at github.com/thewh1teagle/vibe. It is maintained by Thomas Beling.
What kind of tool is Vibe?
In this directory Vibe is filed under open source as a open-source tool.
What are the alternatives to Vibe?
There is a side-by-side page at /tools/vibe-transcribe-alternatives comparing Vibe with the closest tools in the same category on price, platform and features.
Whipscribe is a hosted transcription service. If you want transcripts without running infrastructure, paste a URL or drop a file in the form below — you'll have a transcript in seconds.
Transcribe your recordings
Running Vibe yourself? Send the same file here and compare the transcript. Transcribe any language, any recording · Transcription services from $0.29 an hour · Transcribe from any meeting or recording platform · How to transcribe, step by step
Explore
All transcription tools · By language · By platform · By file format · How-to guides · Transcription services · Transcription API · Pricing
Long recording to get through?
One file up to 10 hours, as an upload or a link: see MP3 to text for long recordings, how to transcribe a podcast and an SRT subtitle file from any recording.
Comparing tools before you pay?
If you would rather pay a service than run software yourself: see the best transcription services side by side, the cheapest way to transcribe an hour of audio and transcription services from $6.