Skip to main content
“og:title”: “Stenox Docs”

​
Bring Your Own Key

Stenox supports Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) — use your personal API keys with cloud providers. This gives you full control over your accounts and often access to free tiers.
API keys are stored securely in your macOS Keychain and never leave your Mac except to authenticate with your provider.

​
Transcription Providers

​
DeepGram

Best for: High accuracy, real-time transcription
1

Create Account

Visit console.deepgram.com and sign up
2

Get Free Credits

New accounts receive $200 in free credits — no credit card required initially
3

Create API Key

Go to API Keys → Create Key → Copy the key
4

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → DeepGram → Paste key → Save
Learn more about DeepGram →

​
Groq Whisper

Best for: Ultra-fast, free tier
1

Create Account

Visit console.groq.com and sign up with Google or GitHub
2

Generate API Key

Go to API Keys → Create API Key → Copy the key
3

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → Groq → Paste key → Save
Groq has a generous free tier with no credit card required.
Learn more about Groq Whisper →

​
OpenAI Whisper

Best for: Official OpenAI, multi-language
1

Create Account

Visit platform.openai.com and sign up
2

Add Payment

Go to Settings → Billing → Add payment method
3

Create API Key

Go to API Keys → Create new secret key → Copy immediately
4

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → OpenAI → Paste key → Save
OpenAI API keys are shown only once. Copy and store securely before closing the dialog.
Learn more about OpenAI Whisper →

​
AssemblyAI

Best for: Enterprise, EU compliance
1

Create Account

Visit assemblyai.com and sign up
2

Get API Key

Your API key is shown on the dashboard after sign-up
3

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → AssemblyAI → Paste key → Save
Learn more about AssemblyAI →

​
AI Enhancement Providers

​
Google Gemini

Best for: Free tier, excellent quality
1

Get API Key

Visit aistudio.google.com and sign in with Google
2

Create Key

Click Get API Key → Create API key in new project → Copy
3

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → Gemini → Paste key → Save
Gemini offers 1,500 free requests per day — no credit card required!
Learn more about Google Gemini →

​
OpenAI (GPT-4o)

Best for: Premium quality enhancement
1

Create Account

Visit platform.openai.com (same as Whisper above)
2

Create API Key

Go to API Keys → Create new secret key → Copy
3

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → OpenAI → Paste key → Save
One OpenAI API key works for both Whisper (transcription) and GPT-4o (enhancement).
Learn more about OpenAI →

​
Groq LLMs

Best for: Ultra-fast, free tier
1

Create Account

Visit console.groq.com (same as Groq Whisper above)
2

Create API Key

Go to API Keys → Create API Key → Copy
3

Add to Stenox

Settings → Providers tab → Groq → Paste key → Save
One Groq API key works for both Whisper (transcription) and LLMs (enhancement).
Learn more about Groq LLMs →

​
Local Providers (No Key Required)

​
WhisperKit (Transcription)

1

Open Settings

Settings → Models tab
2

Select WhisperKit

Set Transcription Provider to WhisperKit
3

Download Model

Choose a model (base.en recommended) and click Download
No API key needed. Runs entirely on your Mac. Learn more about WhisperKit →

​
MLX (AI Enhancement)

1

Open Settings

Settings → Models tab
2

Select MLX

Set AI Enhancement Provider to MLX
3

Download Model

Choose a model (Qwen 3 1.5B recommended) and click Download
MLX requires Apple Silicon. Intel Mac users must use cloud providers.
Learn more about MLX →

​
Free Tier Combinations

Maximize free usage with these provider combinations:
Groq Whisper and Google Gemini both offer free tiers with daily limits — no payment required.

​
Security Notes

Keychain Storage

All API keys are stored in macOS Keychain — the same secure storage used for passwords.

Direct Connection

Keys are sent directly to your provider. No intermediary servers.

View/Delete Keys

Manage keys anytime in Stenox Settings or macOS Keychain Access.

Provider Policies

Your provider’s privacy policies and enterprise agreements apply to all requests.

​
Next Steps

Create Profiles

Set different providers for different use cases.

Local Setup

Go 100% local for complete privacy.