NoteLLM DocsRecognition Modes
Local vs Cloud speech recognition explained
Two Modes of Recognition
NoteLLM offers two distinct speech recognition modes: Local (on-device) and Cloud. Each has its own strengths, and you can switch between them depending on your needs.
Local Recognition
Local recognition runs entirely on your device using Apple's built-in speech recognition framework. No audio data leaves your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Advantages:
- Complete privacy. Your audio is never transmitted anywhere. Zero data collection.
- Works offline. No internet connection is needed. Use it on airplanes, in remote areas, or anywhere without Wi-Fi or cellular service.
- Instant processing. No network latency. Transcription begins immediately.
- No usage limits. Local recognition is available to all users, including those on the free plan.
Considerations:
- Accuracy may be lower than cloud recognition for complex vocabulary, technical jargon, or heavily accented speech.
- Performance depends on your device's processing power. Newer devices with Apple's Neural Engine deliver better results.
Cloud Recognition
Cloud recognition sends your audio to a cloud-based speech recognition service for processing. The audio is transmitted over a secure, encrypted connection.
Advantages:
- Higher accuracy. Cloud models are trained on larger datasets and generally produce more accurate transcriptions, especially for specialized vocabulary.
- Better noise handling. Cloud recognition tends to perform better in noisy environments.
- Consistent quality. Results are less dependent on your device's hardware.
Considerations:
- Requires an active internet connection.
- Audio is sent to external servers for processing (see Privacy for details).
- May be limited to Pro subscribers depending on usage volume.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Local | Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Zero data collection | Audio sent for processing |
| Internet required | No | Yes |
| Accuracy | Good | Higher |
| Speed | Instant (no latency) | Fast (slight network delay) |
| Noise handling | Moderate | Better |
| Offline use | Yes | No |
| Device dependency | Higher (uses device CPU/Neural Engine) | Lower |
How to Switch Modes
- Open NoteLLM.
- Tap the settings or mode selector before starting a recording.
- Choose Local or Cloud.
- Your selection is saved and will be used for all future recordings until you change it.
Which Mode Should I Use?
- Use Local when privacy matters most, when you are offline, or for quick everyday notes.
- Use Cloud when accuracy is critical, when recording in noisy environments, or when transcribing specialized content with technical terms.
You can switch between modes at any time. There is no penalty for changing modes frequently.