On-device and cloud processing have different privacy and performance tradeoffs. The right choice depends on your security, connectivity, and workflow requirements.
How they work
On-device transcription
With an on-device workflow, speech processing may run locally on your device. Check each provider's current privacy and technical documentation. Speed depends on your hardware, model, and settings.
Cloud transcription
Your audio is sent to a server that runs a larger, more accurate model on dedicated hardware and returns the transcript in milliseconds. Groq's LPU hardware (which AiType uses) achieves about 250 ms end-to-end including the AI cleanup pass. The tradeoff: your audio travels over the internet to a third-party server.
The privacy question
The real question isn't "does audio leave my device?" — it's "what happens to it if it does?"
See AiType's privacy policy and data controls for current retention details. Confirm each provider's current policy before using sensitive information.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | On-Device (Apple Dictation, Superwhisper local) | Cloud (AiType, Groq Whisper) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio leaves device | Check provider documentation | Check AiType's current privacy documentation |
| Works offline | ✓ | ✗ |
| Latency | Varies by hardware, model, and settings | Typically about 250 ms; timing varies |
| AI cleanup pass | Check provider features | Available in AiType |
| Accuracy | Test with your own voice and workflow | Test with your own voice and workflow |
| Cost | Check current provider pricing | See AiType pricing |
Who needs on-device processing
- Medical professionals dictating patient information (check HIPAA requirements with your compliance officer)
- Lawyers dictating privileged client communications in jurisdictions with strict data residency rules
- Government and defence workers with classified or sensitive mandates
- Air-gapped environments or locations with no reliable internet
- Journalists working with confidential sources
Who doesn't need on-device processing
For everyday use, consider the provider's current data policy and your own security requirements. For regulated or sensitive data, follow your organisation's approved policies.
The practical answer
The better fit depends on your security, connectivity, and workflow requirements. Check each provider's current privacy documentation and test the workflow with your own content.
Also read: AiType Privacy Policy · Data Controls · Whisper vs Groq speed comparison
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