> ## 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.

# Cloud Providers & BYOK

> Use your own API keys with cloud providers

"og:title": "Stenox Docs"

## 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.

<Tip>
  **Your API, Your Rules.** Stenox never sees your API keys or data. All communication goes directly from your Mac to your chosen provider using your credentials.
</Tip>

## How BYOK Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Key">
    Create an account with your chosen provider (DeepGram, OpenAI, Gemini, etc.)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Paste your API key in Stenox Settings
  </Step>

  <Step title="Stenox Uses Your Key">
    All requests use your API key directly — no intermediary
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provider Policies Apply">
    Your enterprise policies, privacy settings, and agreements are enforced
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Security & Privacy

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Keychain Storage" icon="key">
    API keys are stored securely in your **macOS Keychain**, the same system that protects your passwords.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Single Purpose" icon="lock-keyhole">
    Keys are **only used** to access your chosen provider. No analytics, tracking, or secondary purposes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Never Transmitted" icon="ban">
    Your API keys never leave your Mac except to authenticate directly with your provider's API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="You Control Access" icon="user-shield">
    View, modify, or delete your API keys at any time through Stenox settings or macOS Keychain Access.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 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

<Note>
  For maximum privacy with cloud quality, use business or enterprise API keys with your organization's data processing agreements in place.
</Note>

## Cloud Providers

### Transcription

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="DeepGram" icon="waveform" href="/providers/transcription/deepgram">
    Industry-leading accuracy. **\$200 free credits** for new accounts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OpenAI Whisper" icon="microphone" href="/providers/transcription/openai-whisper">
    Official OpenAI Whisper API. Excellent multi-language support.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AssemblyAI" icon="globe" href="/providers/transcription/assemblyai">
    Enterprise-grade with EU data residency options.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Groq Whisper" icon="bolt" href="/providers/transcription/groq-whisper">
    Ultra-fast transcription. **Free tier** with no credit card.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### AI Enhancement

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="OpenAI" icon="sparkles" href="/providers/llm/openai">
    GPT-4o and other models. Premium quality.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Google Gemini" icon="stars" href="/providers/llm/google-gemini">
    **1,500 free requests/day.** No credit card required.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Groq LLMs" icon="bolt" href="/providers/llm/groq-llms">
    Ultra-fast processing. **Free tier** available.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Quick Setup Examples

### Example 1: DeepGram (Transcription)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create Account">
    Visit [console.deepgram.com](https://console.deepgram.com) and sign up
  </Step>

  <Step title="Get API Key">
    Go to **API Keys** → **Create Key** → Copy the key
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **DeepGram** → Paste key
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  DeepGram offers **\$200 in free credits** for new accounts — enough for \~100+ hours of transcription.
</Tip>

### Example 2: Google Gemini (AI Enhancement)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get API Key">
    Visit [aistudio.google.com](https://aistudio.google.com) and sign in with Google
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Key">
    Click **Get API Key** → **Create in new project** → Copy
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add to Stenox">
    Settings → **Providers** tab → **Gemini** → Paste key
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Gemini has a **generous free tier** — 1,500 requests per day with no credit card required.
</Tip>

## 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              |

<Note>
  Combine free tiers for a completely free cloud experience. Example: Groq Whisper + Google Gemini.
</Note>

## 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                      |

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="BYOK Configuration" icon="gear" href="/setup/byok-configuration">
    Step-by-step API key setup for each provider.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Free Tier Guide" icon="gift" href="/pricing/free-tier">
    Maximize free tier providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="100% Local" icon="lock" href="/providers/local-privacy">
    Complete local privacy setup.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Compare Providers" icon="table" href="/providers/overview">
    Side-by-side provider comparison.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>