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SPECIFICTION
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Buzz

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.3 #22 of 46 in Transcription Software

What it is

Buzz is a free desktop application for transcribing and translating audio on a personal computer, using OpenAI’s Whisper. It accepts audio and video files, YouTube links, and live microphone audio. Its tools include speech separation, speaker identification, a searchable transcript viewer, keyboard shortcuts, and a watch folder for automatic transcription. Transcripts can be exported as TXT, SRT, or VTT files. Buzz supports Whisper, Whisper.cpp, Faster Whisper, and compatible models from Hugging Face. After downloading the necessary models and copying them to a computer, it can work without an internet connection; it can also use the OpenAI API for remote recognition when an API key is set in Preferences. A command-line interface supports scripting, while a plugin system includes examples such as AI summaries and transcript resizing. Smaller models run faster but may be less accurate; larger models need more capable hardware or more time. Buzz requires AVX2 CPU support. On macOS it requires Apple silicon, and the Windows app is unsigned and may trigger an installation warning.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Buzz transcribes and translates audio offline on a personal computer using OpenAI's Whisper.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The repository is distributed under the MIT License.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
API option
Buzz can use the OpenAI API for speech recognition on a remote server when an API key is set in Preferences.Read 7 Oct 2026 · chidiwilliams.github.io
Automation
Buzz includes a command-line interface for scripting and automation, and a plugin system with examples such as AI summaries and transcript resizing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Export formats
TXT,SRT,VTTRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Exports
Transcripts can be exported as TXT, SRT, or VTT files.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input
It can transcribe audio and video files, YouTube links, and live microphone audio.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mac support
The README says Buzz now requires Apple silicon on macOS; version 1.4.5 was the last version supporting Intel Macs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Model tradeoffs
The FAQ says smaller models run faster but can be less accurate, while larger models require more capable hardware or more transcription time.Read 7 Oct 2026 · chidiwilliams.github.io
Models
Buzz supports Whisper, Whisper.cpp, Faster Whisper, and Whisper-compatible models from Hugging Face.Read 7 Oct 2026 · snapcraft.io
Offline use
Buzz can run without an internet connection after the required models are downloaded and copied to the offline computer.Read 7 Oct 2026 · chidiwilliams.github.io
Speaker identification
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
System requirements
Buzz requires AVX2 CPU support, so very old computers are not supported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · chidiwilliams.github.io
Timestamp support
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Transcription tools
Features include speech separation, speaker identification, a searchable transcript viewer, keyboard shortcuts, and a watch folder for automatic transcription.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows note
The README warns that the Windows app is unsigned and may trigger an installation warning.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Buzz Free Free desktop application · MIT licensed Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every Buzz plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Works offline after models are downloaded and copied.
  • Accepts audio, video, YouTube links, and microphone audio.
  • Exports transcripts as TXT, SRT, or VTT.
  • Includes speaker identification and searchable transcripts.
  • Free desktop application under the MIT License.

Limits

  • Requires AVX2 CPU support.
  • macOS requires Apple silicon.
  • Windows installation may show a warning because the app is unsigned.
  • Larger models need more capable hardware or time.

Who it suits

Buzz suits people who want to transcribe or translate audio locally, including from video, YouTube links, or a live microphone. It also fits users who need transcript exports or command-line automation and have compatible hardware.

Verdict

Buzz offers a broad set of transcription inputs, export formats, and model options at no cost. Check CPU and Mac compatibility first, and account for the speed-versus-accuracy tradeoff between model sizes.

Where Specifiction places it

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