Features
On-device vs cloud transcription: speed and accuracy
Transcript.audio lets you choose between maximum privacy and maximum speed. Here is the honest trade-off.
Speed and accuracy: both modes side by side
Privacy optimised mode
Slower on older machines, and on-device models are less accurate than the best cloud models.
Standard mode
Fast on any machine, using accurate cloud models.
This is one row of the full comparison. See what runs where in each mode.
How it works
On-device models run on your own processor, so speed depends on your computer. They are slower on older machines and less accurate than the best cloud models.
Cloud models run on fast servers, so they are quick on any machine and use accurate models.
In privacy optimised mode you can switch on an optional cloud fallback, for example if your computer is too slow to transcribe a long meeting in good time. It is off unless you switch it on, and when it is used it works like standard mode.
Who it is for
- Anyone deciding between privacy optimised and standard mode.
- People with older or lower-powered computers.
- Users who need the most accurate transcripts for names, accents and cross-talk.
Models behind it
The on-device and recommended models for this part of the app.
Transcript.audio cloud
Cloud: transcription
ElevenLabs Scribe v2
Cloud: transcription
Built-in on-device engine
On your computer: transcription
Transcript.audio cloud (standard)
Cloud: notes and summaries, structured fields, meeting titles, questions as you go and help
Claude Opus 5.5
Cloud: notes and summaries, structured fields, meeting titles, questions as you go and help
Ollama (on this computer)
On your computer: notes and summaries, structured fields, meeting titles, questions as you go and help
LM Studio (on this computer)
On your computer: notes and summaries, structured fields, meeting titles, questions as you go and help
Frequently asked questions
Is on-device transcription slower?
Slower on older machines, and on-device models are less accurate than the best cloud models.
How fast is standard mode?
Fast on any machine, using accurate cloud models.
Can I switch between modes?
Yes. You can switch between modes at any time in the app's settings.
What computer do I need for on-device models?
Works on any computer. Standard mode uses cloud AI, so even an older laptop gets fast, accurate notes. Privacy optimised mode sets itself up automatically the first time you use it.
Related features
Private transcription
Transcribe meetings on your computer so audio never leaves it, or in the cloud under zero data retention. Compare both modes side by side.
Works offline
Transcribe meetings and write notes with no internet connection. Transcript.audio works offline in privacy optimised mode once the models are downloaded.
Zero data retention notes
AI meeting notes written on your computer, or in the cloud under zero data retention and then discarded. See how each mode handles your transcript.
All features · The AI models we use · Recording consent guide