> ## 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.

# Lifetime License

> Pay once, use forever

"og:title": "Stenox Docs"

## Pay Once, Use Forever

Lifetime licenses give you unlimited Stenox use with a single payment. No subscriptions, no renewals, no recurring fees.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Lifetime" icon="infinity">
    **One-time purchase**

    Unlimited use with local and BYOK providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lifetime Plus" icon="crown">
    **One-time purchase**

    Everything + Stenox Cloud included.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Compare Lifetime Options

| Feature                          | Lifetime      | Lifetime Plus |
| -------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------- |
| Daily dictation limit            | **Unlimited** | **Unlimited** |
| WhisperKit (local transcription) | ✓             | ✓             |
| MLX (local AI enhancement)       | ✓             | ✓             |
| BYOK cloud providers             | ✓             | ✓             |
| Stenox Cloud                     | \$5 credit    | **Unlimited** |
| All profiles & features          | ✓             | ✓             |
| Future updates                   | ✓             | ✓             |

## Lifetime

The standard Lifetime license is perfect if you:

* Already have API keys from DeepGram, OpenAI, Gemini, or Groq
* Want to use local providers (WhisperKit + MLX) exclusively
* Prefer to manage your own cloud provider accounts

<Note>
  **BYOK is powerful.** With your own API keys, you get direct access to providers, full control over your accounts, and often better pricing.
</Note>

### What You Get

* **Unlimited dictation** — No daily limits
* **\$5 Stenox Cloud credit** — Try Stenox Cloud included
* **All features** — Profiles, vocabulary, file transcription
* **Local providers** — WhisperKit and MLX included
* **BYOK cloud** — Use any supported cloud provider with your keys
* **Future updates** — All app updates included

<Tip>
  Your \$5 Stenox Cloud credit lets you try our fine-tuned cloud service. If you love it, upgrade to Lifetime Plus for unlimited Stenox Cloud access.
</Tip>

## Lifetime Plus

Lifetime Plus includes everything in Lifetime, plus Stenox Cloud:

* **Stenox Cloud Transcription** — No API key setup needed
* **Stenox Cloud AI Enhancement** — High-quality enhancement included
* **Zero configuration** — Just activate and start dictating

<Tip>
  **Best of both worlds:** Lifetime Plus gives you Stenox Cloud for convenience, plus the option to use local or BYOK providers whenever you want.
</Tip>

### Who Should Choose Lifetime Plus?

* You want the simplest possible experience
* You don't want to manage API keys
* You want to support Stenox development
* You want everything included with no extra setup

## Purchase Lifetime License

<Steps>
  <Step title="Visit stenox.app">
    Go to [stenox.app/pricing](https://stenox.app/pricing) and select Lifetime or Lifetime Plus
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Checkout">
    Payments are processed securely by [Polar](https://polar.sh)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive License Key">
    Your license key will be emailed immediately
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate in Stenox">
    Open Stenox → Settings → **License** and sign in with your purchase email
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The email you use during checkout is used for license delivery, billing, and portal access.
</Note>

<Card title="Get Lifetime" icon="arrow-up-right-from-square" href="https://stenox.app/pricing">
  Purchase a lifetime license at stenox.app
</Card>

## Lifetime vs Plus Subscription

| Factor       | Plus (Monthly) | Lifetime   | Lifetime Plus |
| ------------ | -------------- | ---------- | ------------- |
| Stenox Cloud | ✓              | —          | ✓             |
| Payment      | Recurring      | One-time   | One-time      |
| Break-even   | —              | \~6 months | \~8 months    |
| Best for     | Trying Stenox  | BYOK users | Everyone      |

<Note>
  If you plan to use Stenox for more than 6-8 months, a lifetime license offers better long-term value.
</Note>

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="What happens after I purchase?" icon="check-circle">
    Your license activates immediately. You'll see your license status in Settings → License.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I upgrade from Lifetime to Lifetime Plus?" icon="arrow-up">
    Yes! Contact support to upgrade and pay the difference.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Do lifetime licenses include future updates?" icon="rotate">
    Yes. All app updates are included forever. You'll always have access to the latest features.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if Stenox shuts down?" icon="question">
    Lifetime licenses include perpetual access to local features (WhisperKit, MLX). These work entirely on your Mac without any server dependency.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use my license on multiple Macs?" icon="laptop">
    Yes! Lifetime licenses can be used on up to 3 Macs. Perfect for your desktop, laptop, and home office setup.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Activate License" icon="key" href="/setup/license">
    Step-by-step license activation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BYOK Setup" icon="gear" href="/setup/byok-configuration">
    Configure your own API keys (Lifetime).
  </Card>

  <Card title="Local Setup" icon="lock" href="/providers/local-privacy">
    Go 100% local with no cloud dependencies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Stenox Cloud" icon="cloud" href="/providers/transcription/stenox-cloud">
    Learn about Stenox Cloud (Lifetime Plus).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>