When you dictate, your voice either stays on your computer or gets uploaded to someone else's server. Simple distinction, big implications.
Most people don't think about this until they've dictated something they shouldn't have.
Cloud dictation#
Recording
Upload
Processing
Download
Storage
Everything you say travels across the internet. Passwords, client names, proprietary code, private conversations. All of it.
Offline dictation#
Recording
Local Processing
Insertion
Your Choice
Nothing leaves your machine. No servers, no uploads, no third parties.
The actual differences#
| Cloud | Offline | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio leaves device | Yes | No |
| Third-party access | Possible | No |
| Training data | Often used | Never |
| Works offline | No | Yes |
| HIPAA/NDA safe | Probably not | Yes |
| Safe for passwords | No | Yes |
| Code stays private | No | Yes |
Developers
Cloud dictation sends your code to external servers. If you're under NDA or have security policies, that's a violation. Offline keeps everything local.
Lawyers, Doctors, Finance
Anyone handling sensitive information should care about where their voice data goes. Offline removes the question entirely.
Speed#
Cloud adds 350-1700ms latency (upload, process, download). Offline on Apple Silicon: 50-300ms. With streaming mode, text appears as you speak.
Reliability#
Cloud fails when your internet drops. Or the service goes down. Or you're on a plane.
Offline works always. On planes, in cafes with bad WiFi, even if the company that made the app shuts down tomorrow.
Accuracy: Is offline good enough now?#
Cloud used to have a clear accuracy advantage. With Whisper on Apple Silicon, that gap is mostly gone:
| Accuracy | |
|---|---|
| Cloud services | ~95-98% English |
| Offline (Large model) | ~94-97% English |
| Offline (Turbo model) | ~92-95% English |
For code, offline with Code Mode is actually better than cloud because it's built for code syntax. Cloud services are optimized for prose.
"Free" cloud services#
When a cloud service is free, you're probably the product. Your voice trains their models. Human contractors might review your audio. Usage data feeds targeting systems.
Offline has a simpler deal: pay once, data stays yours.
Related: Offline Dictation for Mac, Whisperer vs Wispr Flow, Offline Transcription Engines. See pricing and all features.
Ready to try voice dictation on your Mac?
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