Local In-Browser Transcription (Nano): Free and Private
How the Nano engine works: transcription in your own browser, without spending cycles and without the audio leaving your device. Per-plan quotas and limitations.
The Nano engine transcribes audio inside your own browser: the file never leaves your device and zero cycles are used. It's the right choice for sensitive content and for anyone who wants to save balance — with some quality and quota limitations.
How it works
When you choose Nano, the browser downloads a compact AI model and processes the audio locally, using your computer's processor. After the first use, the model is cached and even works without internet.
The model size adjusts to your device's memory:
| Available memory | Loaded model |
|---|---|
| 4 GB or more | Plus (the most accurate in the local lineup) |
| 2 to 4 GB | Mini |
| Less than 2 GB | Nano (the lightest) |
Quotas by plan
Nano is free in terms of cycles, but it has its own monthly minute quota:
| Plan | Nano monthly quota | Per-file limit |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 60 min/month | 10 min per file |
| Lite | 300 min/month | no per-file limit |
| Advanced and above | Unlimited | no per-file limit |
| Hour bundles | 60 min/month | no per-file limit |
The Nano quota is separate from your cycles. Using Nano doesn't touch your balance — and running out of Nano quota doesn't affect transcriptions on cloud engines.
Privacy
- The audio is not sent to our servers — all processing happens on your device.
- Only the resulting text is saved to your library (with the same encryption as other transcriptions), so you can edit, export, and share it normally.
Limitations
Because it runs on your computer, Nano requires the tab to stay open throughout the entire process, is slower than cloud engines, and has lower accuracy than Premium — especially on noisy audio. For important work, prefer cloud engines.
- Not available for import by URL/YouTube (the download happens on the server, and Nano runs in the browser).
- Speed depends on your hardware: older machines process slowly.
- Language is auto-detected by default; you can set the language in options.
How to use
Upload the file and choose Nano
On the new transcription screen, select the Nano engine (labeled as free) before you start.
Wait with the tab open
The model is downloaded on first use and processing runs locally. Don't close the tab until it's done.
Use the result normally
The text goes to your library like any transcription: editor, exports, and sharing all work the same.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nano spend my cycles?
No. Nano costs 0 cycles. It only has its own monthly minute quota, depending on the plan.
Does my audio leave my computer when I use Nano?
No. Processing is 100% local. Only the final text is saved to your account.
Why was my 15-minute file rejected on Nano?
On the free plan, Nano accepts up to 10 minutes per file. Paid plans don't have this per-file limit (subject to the monthly quota).
Is the quality the same as Premium?
No. Nano uses compact models to run in the browser. For maximum accuracy, use Premium or Ultra. See Choosing the engine.
Related articles
- Choosing the transcription engine
- How transcription works
- Cycle system
- Accuracy and how to improve it
Still stuck? Open a ticket and our team will help you.