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OpenAI Whisper vs Whisper.cpp
OpenAI Whisper is the original model in Python, while Whisper.cpp is a C/C++ port for faster, offline use.
OpenAI WhisperOpen-source speech recognition model
Whisper.cppFast C/C++ port of Whisper speech recognitionWhich to pick
Pick OpenAI Whisper if you want…
- Multilingual speech-to-text and translation
- Python-based Whisper inference
- Integrations with Python, PyTorch or ffmpeg (on OpenAI Whisper's list, not Whisper.cpp's)
Pick Whisper.cpp if you want…
- C/C++ Whisper inference
- Integrations with C, C++ or Ruby (on Whisper.cpp's list, not OpenAI Whisper's)
Side by side
- What it is
- OpenAI Whisper:OpenAI Whisper is an open-source, multilingual speech-recognition model that transcribes, translates and identifies spoken language.
- Whisper.cpp:Whisper.cpp is a fast C/C++ implementation of OpenAI's Whisper speech-recognition model.
- Best for
- OpenAI Whisper:Multilingual speech-to-text and translation
- Whisper.cpp:C/C++ Whisper inference
- Who it’s for
- OpenAI Whisper:Developers building audio-enabled apps, researchers, and hobbyists needing speech-to-text.
- Whisper.cpp:Developers needing offline, low-latency speech transcription in C/C++ projects.
- Pricing
- OpenAI Whisper:Open source
- Whisper.cpp:Open source
- Open source
- OpenAI Whisper:Yes, 110,111 GitHub stars
- Whisper.cpp:Yes, 54,204 GitHub stars
- Works with
- OpenAI Whisper:Python, PyTorch, ffmpeg, tiktoken
- Whisper.cpp:C, C++, Ruby
OpenAI Whisper features
- Multilingual transcription. Transcribes speech in over 100 languages with a single model.
- Speech translation. Directly translates spoken audio into another language.
- Language identification. Detects the language spoken in an audio clip.
- Multiple model sizes. Tiny to large models trade off speed, accuracy and VRAM usage.
- Easy installation. Install via pip or from source; requires only Python, PyTorch and ffmpeg.
- Command-line tool. Provides a ready-to-use CLI for quick transcription of audio files.
Whisper.cpp features
- C/C++ core. Runs Whisper model natively in C/C++ for high performance.
- Multiple backends. Supports CPU, Vulkan and other GGML backends for flexible hardware use.
- Language bindings. Provides bindings for Ruby and other languages via the bindings folder.
- Docker images. Offers minimal Docker images for easy deployment of the CLI.
- Grammar-based sampling. Includes grammar-based sampling for controlled transcription output.
- Example applications. Ships with example programs demonstrating usage and integration.
OpenAI Whisper vs Whisper.cpp FAQ
Is OpenAI Whisper or Whisper.cpp free?+
Yes, both are free and open source.
Is OpenAI Whisper or Whisper.cpp open source?+
Yes, both are open source: OpenAI Whisper (openai/whisper on GitHub, MIT license) and Whisper.cpp (ggml-org/whisper.cpp on GitHub, MIT license).
Do OpenAI Whisper and Whisper.cpp integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: OpenAI Whisper lists Python, PyTorch, ffmpeg and tiktoken; Whisper.cpp lists C, C++ and Ruby.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.