Buzz
v1.4.5Open sourceReleased 23 Aug 2026
Free, offline audio transcription and translation on your PC using OpenAI's Whisper. By Chidi Williams (open-source project)
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
By the ToolsBharat teamUpdated 23 Aug 2026How we check
Quick answer
Buzz is open source software for Windows, macOS and Linux from Chidi Williams (open-source project). Free, offline audio transcription and translation on your PC using OpenAI's Whisper. Download it only from github.com. The latest version we track is 1.4.5 (23 Aug 2026). ToolsBharat links straight to the publisher's own download page, with no bundled offers.
- Latest version:
- 1.4.5 (23 Aug 2026)
- Publisher:
- Chidi Williams (open-source project)
- Official site:
- chidiwilliams.github.io
- Licence:
- Open source — MIT
- Requirements:
- Windows; macOS; Linux (Flatpak, Snap or AppImage)
Our verdict
Buzz turns OpenAI's Whisper models into a simple desktop app, so you can transcribe recordings, videos or a live microphone without uploading anything. It exports subtitles in SRT and VTT, supports speaker identification and can use your GPU for speed. The Windows installer is unsigned, so expect a SmartScreen warning, and the download is split into three files that must sit together.
Screenshots
Key features
- Offline transcription of audio and video files with Whisper models
- Live microphone transcription with a presentation window
- Speech translation, speaker identification and noise separation
- Export to TXT, SRT and VTT
- Optional GPU acceleration (Nvidia CUDA, Vulkan, Apple silicon)
Pros
- Pro: Audio stays on your computer
- Pro: Free and open source (MIT)
- Pro: Windows, macOS and Linux builds
Cons
- Con: Unsigned Windows installer triggers a warning
- Con: Large models need a capable PC for good speed
What's new in 1.4.5
See what changed in 1.4.5 in the official release notes
Version history
Version 1.4.5Latest
23 Aug 2026- SHA-256
- The developer does not publish one
- Source
- Release notes
Official downloads by platform
For Windows, use the Download button. Other platforms go straight to the publisher's own page or official store.
Requirements
- OS
- Windows; macOS; Linux (Flatpak, Snap or AppImage)
- Architecture
- macOS: Apple silicon and Intel builds for 1.4.5 (later versions Apple silicon only); Linux/PyPI build x86_64; Windows architecture not stated
- Also needs
- Nvidia GPU optional for CUDA acceleration
Licence
- Type
- Open source
- Licence
- MIT
- Publisher
- chidiwilliams.github.io
Where these facts come from
Checked 30 Oct 2026
FAQ
Does Buzz need the internet?
No for transcription itself: Buzz runs Whisper models on your own computer. You need a connection to download the app and the models the first time.
Why does Windows warn me when installing Buzz?
The project says its Windows installer is not code-signed. Download all three Windows files from the official release, run the .exe, and choose More info, then Run anyway if you trust the source.
User reviews
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No reviews yet
Used Buzz? Reviews appear after moderation; we never import or invent ratings.
Alternatives
- Audacity4.0.2 · Open sourceRecord and edit audio: voice-overs, podcasts, noise removal. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
- Otter.aiAuto-updating desktop app; mobile apps updated via Google Play / App Store · FreemiumAI meeting notetaker that transcribes, summarises and pulls out action items. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web app
- Subtitle Edit5.3.0 · Open sourceCreate, sync, translate and convert subtitles for any video. Official No bundlesAvailable on Windows, macOS, Linux
Buzz
1.4.5 · Not stated