Comparison · Speech-to-text and transcription software
Deepgram vs Whisper: which is better in 2026?
Deepgram80.0#7 in best speech-to-text and transcription software
Whisper88.5#2 in best speech-to-text and transcription softwareWhisper ranks higher in our list of speech-to-text and transcription software (#2 against #7, score 88.5 against 80.0).
- 80.0Editorial score88.5
- 1Platforms1
- NoFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Deepgram if you want
Real-time voice features in software.
Speech APIs for transcription and real-time voice agents, priced per minute with a $200 starter credit. Like AssemblyAI, it has no end-user app for dictation or notes.
Choose Whisper if you want
Developers who want local transcription in code.
An open-source MIT model and code that run on your own hardware. It has no interface, so it suits developers rather than everyday dictation.
The main differences
- Only Deepgram runs on Web.
- Whisper is open source; Deepgram is not.
- Whisper can be used for free; Deepgram requires payment.
Side by side
| Deepgram | Whisper | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 80.0 | 88.5 |
| Rank in list | #7 of 10 | #2 of 10 |
| Price | Pay as you goPay as you go per minute by model after a $200 starter credit | Free and open sourceFree and open source; code and model weights under the MIT License |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWeb | Command lineCommand line |
| Made by | Not stated | OpenAI |
| Best use | Speech and voice agent API | Developer speech model |
| Offline recognition | Not listed | Yes, runs locally |
| Speaker labels | Not listed | Not listed |
| Real-time output | Yes, for voice agents | Not listed |
| Best for | Real-time voice features in software | Developers who want local transcription in code |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Deepgram vs Whisper
- Is Whisper better than Deepgram?
- Whisper ranks higher in our list of speech-to-text and transcription software (#2 against #7, score 88.5 against 80.0). Deepgram is best for: real-time voice features in software. Whisper is best for: developers who want local transcription in code.
- Which is cheaper, Deepgram or Whisper?
- Deepgram: Pay as you go per minute by model after a $200 starter credit. Whisper: Free and open source; code and model weights under the MIT License.
- Do Deepgram and Whisper run on the same platforms?
- Deepgram supports Web. Whisper supports Command line.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
