Do transcription apps work offline?
Most popular transcription apps do not work offline. Otter, Fireflies, and Rev all send your audio to the cloud to process it, so they stop the moment you lose internet. The exception is on-device transcription: apps like Inscribe run the model on your phone or Mac, so they transcribe with no connection at all.
If you have ever tried to record a meeting on a plane or in a basement room with no signal, you have hit this wall. The recorder works, but the transcript never appears, because the app is waiting to reach a server. Knowing which tools are cloud-based and which are on-device tells you which ones will actually work when you are offline.
Does Otter.ai work offline?
No. Otter.ai processes transcription in the cloud, so it needs an internet connection to turn your audio into text. You can sometimes record audio in the app while offline, but the transcript is only generated once you reconnect and the audio uploads to Otter's servers.
Does the Fireflies app work offline?
No. Fireflies is built around joining and recording online meetings, and it transcribes in the cloud. It needs a connection both to capture the meeting and to produce the transcript, so it does not work as an offline recorder.
Does Rev work offline?
No. Rev's automatic and human transcription both run on its servers, so you need internet to submit audio and receive the transcript. There is no on-device mode that transcribes without uploading your file.
Which transcription apps actually work offline?
Apps that run the speech model on your own device work offline. Inscribe is built this way: it transcribes with Apple Speech or downloadable Whisper models directly on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Because the model is already on the device, the transcript appears with no connection, and your audio is not uploaded for processing.
| Otter | Fireflies | Rev | Inscribe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcribes offline | No | No | No | Yes |
| Audio uploaded for processing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Account required | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| On-device processing | No | No | No | Yes |
Why does offline transcription matter?
Two reasons. The first is reliability: an on-device app keeps working on a plane, in a hospital, or anywhere the signal drops. The second is privacy. With cloud apps your audio leaves your device. With Inscribe, recording, transcription, summaries, and Q&A run 100% on-device, with no cloud transcription provider, so sensitive interviews and meetings stay on your hardware.
How does on-device transcription work?
The speech model is downloaded to your device once, then runs locally. Inscribe lets you pick Apple Speech or Whisper in Tiny, Base, or Small sizes, with an Auto setting that chooses the best available. Larger models are more accurate on tough audio; smaller ones are faster and lighter. After transcription, you can summarize, ask questions, and draft notes, also on-device.
Can I transcribe a YouTube video or podcast offline?
On Mac, Inscribe can capture system audio from any app playing on the device, including a video or podcast, and transcribe it on-device. On iPhone and iPad, download or import the audio or video file first, then transcribe it locally. Either way the processing stays on your device.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Otter.ai work offline?
No. Otter transcribes in the cloud and needs an internet connection. The transcript only appears once your audio uploads to its servers. For offline transcription you need an on-device app like Inscribe.
Does the Fireflies app work offline?
No. Fireflies records and transcribes online meetings in the cloud, so it needs a connection for both. It does not work as an offline recorder.
Does Rev work offline?
No. Rev processes both automatic and human transcription on its servers, so you need internet to upload audio and get a transcript. There is no on-device offline mode.
Which transcription app works without internet?
Inscribe transcribes on-device using Apple Speech or downloadable Whisper models, so it works with no connection and your audio is not uploaded for processing. No account is required.
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Private, on-device transcription with AI summaries and cross-library Q&A. Works on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
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