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whisper.cpp: Open-Source Local Transcription

MIT C/C++ port of OpenAI Whisper for local speech-to-text.

whisper.cpp GitHub social image used to identify the local Whisper port
Official project image. Source · License: MIT.
License
MIT
Stars
54,489 (2026-10-19)
Platforms
macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
First seen
2022-09-25

TL;DR. whisper.cpp is MIT C/C++ port of OpenAI Whisper for local speech-to-text. License: MIT (verified). Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. Price: free. Runs locally: yes. It is an alternative to Descript.

Namewhisper.cpp
LanguageC++
LicenseMIT
Pricingfree
PlatformsmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Runs locallyYes
Stats54,489 stars · 6,270 forks (as of 2026-10-19)
First seen2022-09-25
Repositoryhttps://github.com/ggml-org/whisper.cpp

whisper.cpp is a MIT C/C++ Whisper port. Official host we opened on 2026-10-19: ggml-org/whisper.cpp (54,489 stars, 6,270 forks, last push 2026-10-19).

It hangs off Descript alternatives as the local transcription row, not a full studio. Related speech: Otter.ai alternatives, Granite Speech 5.0, Nemotron 3.5 Transcribe, ElevenLabs alternatives.

FAQ

Is whisper.cpp a Descript alternative?

It is local speech-to-text (54,489 stars, MIT, pushed 2026-10-19). Descript is a hosted editor with overdub and timeline. whisper.cpp does not edit video. See Descript alternatives.

Does it include an editor?

No. Pair it with a timeline editor if you need cuts. This page is the STT engine.

License?

MIT (2026-10-19). Model weights have their own terms. Not legal advice.

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-10-19 · Last updated 2026-10-19· Edited by forkalt editors · Editorial policy

License notes are not legal advice. Read the original LICENSE. Trademark & disclaimer.