# ParrotPad vs Superwhisper

> No bring-your-own-API-keys gymnastics. No model picking. No tinkering. Just a hotkey that works - for $10/month flat, no API spend on top.

## Headline differences
- **Pricing model**: ParrotPad is one flat subscription ($10/mo or $96/yr). Superwhisper is a subscription plus your own OpenAI/Anthropic API keys for the LLM modes - real total cost is usually $8.49 + $5-40/mo in API spend.
- **Lifetime option**: Superwhisper offers a $249.99 lifetime. ParrotPad doesn't - we use cloud STT, which has ongoing cost on our side.
- **Offline mode**: Superwhisper supports local Whisper. ParrotPad is cloud-only - lower latency, higher accuracy, requires internet.
- **Time to first dictation**: ParrotPad - install, hold hotkey, talk. Superwhisper - install, pick model, paste API keys, talk.

## Where Superwhisper wins
- Offline mode via local Whisper - works on a plane
- Mobile support (iOS)
- Power-user tinker surface for those who want it

## Where ParrotPad wins
- Zero config - no model picker, no API keys
- One predictable bill per month, no API spend on top
- Cross-platform (Mac + Windows) where Superwhisper is also cross but skews Mac-first
- No LLM rewriting your dictation by default
- Pro account hosts your settings, dictionary and history - signed-in everywhere

## Verdict
If offline mode matters more than anything else, Superwhisper is the right pick. If a $10 flat bill and zero config matters more, that's ParrotPad.