> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stenox.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Free Tier

> 5 minutes per day with full features

"og:title": "Stenox Docs"

## Free Forever

Stenox's free tier gives you full access to all features. It's perfect for trying Stenox or light daily use.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="$5 Stenox Cloud Credit" icon="cloud">
    Start with \$5 credit to try Stenox Cloud transcription and enhancement.
  </Card>

  <Card title="All Features" icon="check-circle">
    Profiles, vocabulary, file transcription — everything.
  </Card>

  <Card title="All Providers" icon="server">
    Local providers and BYOK cloud providers included.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upgrade Anytime" icon="arrow-up">
    Move to Lifetime whenever you're ready. No pressure.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What's Included

| Feature                          | Free Tier           |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Daily dictation limit            | 5 minutes           |
| Stenox Cloud                     | \$5 credit included |
| WhisperKit (local transcription) | ✓                   |
| MLX (local AI enhancement)       | ✓                   |
| BYOK cloud providers             | ✓                   |
| Profiles                         | ✓                   |
| Auto-activation                  | ✓                   |
| Custom vocabulary                | ✓                   |
| File transcription               | ✓                   |

## Provider Options

The free tier gives you access to all provider types within your 5-minute daily limit:

### Stenox Cloud

Your \$5 credit works with Stenox Cloud transcription and AI enhancement — no API keys needed.

### BYOK Providers

Use your own API keys from providers like:

* **Groq Whisper** — Fast transcription
* **Google Gemini** — AI enhancement
* **DeepGram** — High-accuracy transcription

### Local Providers

Process everything on-device for complete privacy:

* **WhisperKit** — Local transcription
* **MLX** — Local AI enhancement
* No internet required

[Set up local providers →](/providers/local-privacy)

## Upgrade to Lifetime

When you're ready for more, upgrade to Lifetime — a one-time purchase that unlocks unlimited use forever.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Lifetime" icon="infinity" href="/pricing/lifetime">
    One-time purchase. Unlimited BYOK and local use forever.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lifetime Plus" icon="crown" href="/pricing/lifetime">
    One-time purchase. Includes unlimited Stenox Cloud.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  Upgrade whenever you're ready — there's no rush. Your \$5 credit and all features work great for getting started.
</Tip>

## Checking Your Usage

In Stenox:

1. Click the menu bar icon
2. Your remaining daily minutes appear in the dropdown

The counter resets at midnight local time.

## Free Tier FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What happens when I hit the limit?" icon="clock">
    Stenox will notify you that you've reached your daily limit. You can:

    * Wait until midnight for the reset
    * Upgrade to Lifetime for unlimited use
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does file transcription count against the limit?" icon="file-audio">
    Yes, file transcription time counts against your daily 5 minutes.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use multiple providers?" icon="layer-group">
    Yes! Set up different providers for different profiles. All providers work within your daily limit.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I want complete privacy?" icon="lock">
    Local providers (WhisperKit + MLX) process everything on your Mac with no data sent anywhere. They work within your 5-minute daily limit on the free tier.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Providers" icon="server" href="/providers/overview">
    Explore transcription and AI provider options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upgrade to Lifetime" icon="infinity" href="/pricing/lifetime">
    Unlimited use with a one-time purchase.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>