Buzz
What it is
Buzz is a free desktop application for transcribing and translating audio on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It can process audio or video files, YouTube links, and live microphone audio using OpenAI’s Whisper and compatible model options. Speech separation, speaker identification, a searchable transcript viewer, keyboard shortcuts, and a watch folder support different transcription workflows. Transcripts can be exported as TXT, SRT, or VTT files. Buzz supports Whisper, Whisper.cpp, Faster Whisper, and compatible models from Hugging Face. After models are downloaded and copied to another computer, it can operate without an internet connection. An OpenAI API option provides remote speech recognition when an API key is entered in Preferences. A command-line interface supports scripting, while plugins include examples for summaries and transcript resizing. Buzz is MIT licensed and requires AVX2 CPU support.
For and against
For
- Free desktop application
- Works with audio, video, YouTube, and microphone input
- Exports TXT, SRT, and VTT
- Supports speaker identification and separation
- Offers offline operation after model setup
Against
- Requires an AVX2-capable CPU
- macOS now requires Apple silicon
- Windows app may show an installation warning
- Larger models need more hardware or time
The verdict
Buzz combines broad input support, multiple Whisper model choices, searchable transcripts, and offline capability in a free desktop package. Check the hardware and macOS requirements before choosing it.
Who it suits
Buzz suits people who need desktop transcription or translation across Linux, macOS, or Windows. It also fits users who want offline processing, command-line automation, or speaker-aware transcripts.
Plans and prices
Buzz
Free desktop application · MIT licensed
Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- API option
- Buzz can use the OpenAI API for speech recognition on a remote server when an API key is set in Preferences.chidiwilliams.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Buzz includes a command-line interface for scripting and automation, and a plugin system with examples such as AI summaries and transcript resizing.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Export formats
- TXT,SRT,VTTgithub.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Exports
- Transcripts can be exported as TXT, SRT, or VTT files.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Input
- It can transcribe audio and video files, YouTube links, and live microphone audio.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository is distributed under the MIT License.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Mac support
- The README says Buzz now requires Apple silicon on macOS; version 1.4.5 was the last version supporting Intel Macs.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Models
- Buzz supports Whisper, Whisper.cpp, Faster Whisper, and Whisper-compatible models from Hugging Face.snapcraft.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- 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.chidiwilliams.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- Buzz can run without an internet connection after the required models are downloaded and copied to the offline computer.chidiwilliams.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Buzz transcribes and translates audio offline on a personal computer using OpenAI's Whisper.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Speaker identification
- Yesgithub.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- System requirements
- Buzz requires AVX2 CPU support, so very old computers are not supported.chidiwilliams.github.io · read 7 Oct 2026
- Timestamp support
- Yesgithub.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Transcription tools
- Features include speech separation, speaker identification, a searchable transcript viewer, keyboard shortcuts, and a watch folder for automatic transcription.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Windows note
- The README warns that the Windows app is unsigned and may trigger an installation warning.github.com · read 7 Oct 2026
