Bring Your Own Key (BYOK)
Stenox supports Bring Your Own Key — use your personal API keys with cloud providers. This gives you full control over your data and costs.How BYOK Works
Security & Privacy
Keychain Storage
API keys are stored securely in your macOS Keychain, the same system that protects your passwords.
Single Purpose
Keys are only used to access your chosen provider. No analytics, tracking, or secondary purposes.
Never Transmitted
Your API keys never leave your Mac except to authenticate directly with your provider’s API.
You Control Access
View, modify, or delete your API keys at any time through Stenox settings or macOS Keychain Access.
Enterprise & Compliance
If you have enterprise or business accounts with your cloud provider:- Privacy policies are honored — Your organization’s data processing agreements apply
- Compliance certifications apply — SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, etc. from your provider
- Direct communication — No intermediary servers between you and your provider
- Audit trails — All requests go through your account for full visibility
For maximum privacy with cloud quality, use business or enterprise API keys with your organization’s data processing agreements in place.
Cloud Providers
Transcription
DeepGram
Industry-leading accuracy. $200 free credits for new accounts.
OpenAI Whisper
Official OpenAI Whisper API. Excellent multi-language support.
AssemblyAI
Enterprise-grade with EU data residency options.
Groq Whisper
Ultra-fast transcription. Free tier with no credit card.
AI Enhancement
OpenAI
GPT-4o and other models. Premium quality.
Google Gemini
1,500 free requests/day. No credit card required.
Groq LLMs
Ultra-fast processing. Free tier available.
Quick Setup Examples
Example 1: DeepGram (Transcription)
Create Account
Visit console.deepgram.com and sign up
Example 2: Google Gemini (AI Enhancement)
Get API Key
Visit aistudio.google.com and sign in with Google
Free Tier Providers
Several cloud providers offer free tiers:| Provider | Type | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Groq | Transcription & LLM | Generous limits, no credit card |
| Google Gemini | AI Enhancement | 1,500 requests/day |
| DeepGram | Transcription | $200 credits (one-time) |
| AssemblyAI | Transcription | Limited free hours |
Combine free tiers for a completely free cloud experience. Example: Groq Whisper + Google Gemini.
Local vs Cloud Trade-offs
| Factor | Local (WhisperKit + MLX) | Cloud (BYOK) |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Complete — nothing leaves Mac | Depends on provider policies |
| Speed | 5-10 seconds | 1-3 seconds |
| Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Offline | Works without internet | Requires internet |
| Cost | Free forever | Free tiers or usage-based |
| Requirements | Apple Silicon (for MLX) | Any Mac |