Choose the right model for your transcription needs. All models run 100% locally on your Mac.
For most users, we recommend Parakeet TDT V3 -the fastest and most accurate model, powered by NVIDIA.
The fastest and most accurate model available. Built by NVIDIA and optimized for Apple Silicon, Parakeet V3 delivers near-instant transcription with exceptional accuracy. It's a separate download inside the app — EmberType ships with Whisper Base (English) built in — but it's the upgrade we recommend first for most users.
The previous generation Parakeet model. Still excellent speed and accuracy -a solid alternative if you experience any issues with V3.
A compressed version of OpenAI's flagship Whisper model. Supports 100+ languages with strong accuracy. The best choice if you need multilingual transcription.
The lightweight English model that comes built into EmberType — dictation works out of the box before you download anything. The lowest resource usage of the set; good for quick notes where speed matters more than perfect accuracy.
Need help setting up models? See our documentation for step-by-step instructions. Ready to try EmberType? Download it free with a 7-day trial. Read our comparison of voice-to-text apps to see how EmberType stacks up, or the broader guide to the best AI apps for Mac in 2026 for a full picture of the Apple Silicon AI stack.