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Saypane vs Buzz: free open source transcription on Windows

Buzz is one of the most popular free transcription apps: open source, MIT licensed, around 22,000 stars on GitHub, and most of its downloads are for Windows. If free file transcription is all you need, Buzz may be all you need. This page explains where Saypane is different.

SaypaneBuzz
PriceFree; Pro is a one-time in-app purchaseFree
Source codeClosed source app; open models and librariesOpen source, MIT
PlatformsWindowsWindows, macOS, Linux
Runs offlineYesYes; the OpenAI API is optional
ModelsParakeet, Whisper small, Whisper large v3 turboWhisper, whisper.cpp, faster-whisper, compatible Hugging Face models
Live transcriptionDictation into any appLive microphone transcription in its own window
Speaker labelsIn ProNot listed; one of the most requested features in its GitHub issues

What Buzz does better

  • It is free and open source. No purchase, and you can read and change the code.
  • It runs on Mac and Linux as well.
  • More model choice, including any compatible model from Hugging Face.

What Saypane adds

  • Dictation into other apps. Hold a key and talk, and the text goes into Word, your browser or a chat. Buzz transcribes into its own window.
  • Speaker labels for interviews and meetings (Pro).
  • Meeting recording of your microphone and PC sound together (Pro).
  • Parakeet, a fast model for 25 European languages that runs well on an ordinary CPU.
  • Long files without loops: audio is split at pauses and checked for repeated text.
  • Microsoft Store install and updates, with no Python or setup steps.

Which one to choose

  • Choose Buzz if you want free, open source file transcription, or need it on Mac or Linux.
  • Choose Saypane if you want dictation into other apps and transcription with speaker labels in one Windows app.

Sources: Buzz on GitHub (README, releases and issues).

Prices and plans of other apps were checked on their websites on October 27, 2026. They change often, so confirm them with the vendor before you buy.

Questions

Is Buzz free?

Yes. Buzz is free and open source under the MIT licence.

Last updated October 27, 2026.

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