openai-python
by OpenAI
Reference SDK — covers the Whisper + Realtime audio endpoints.
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TL;DR
Best for calling OpenAI's audio APIs from Python. Pricing: free.
Category
Open source
License
Apache-2.0
Stars
★ 31.3k
Last push
2026-08-07
Pricing
free
Platforms
Linux, macOS, Windows
What it is
OpenAI's official Python SDK with audio support. Apache-2.0.
Best for: Calling OpenAI's audio APIs from Python.
Watch out for: API key + paid usage required.
Watch out for: API key + paid usage required.
Install / use
pip install openai
Features
| Speaker diarization | No |
| Word-level timestamps | Yes |
| Streaming / real-time | Yes |
| Languages supported | 99 |
| HIPAA eligible | No |
Links
openai-python vs Whipscribe
| Feature | openai-python | Whipscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Open source | Transcription APIs |
| Pricing | free | $4–$24 one-time packs (credits never expire) · $2 single unlock · 60 min free on signup |
| Speaker diarization | No | Yes |
| Word timestamps | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming | Yes | No |
| Languages | 99 | 99 |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Web, API, MCP |
Alternatives to openai-python
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