Bring your own API key for dictation
"Bring your own key" (BYOK) means a dictation app lets you connect your own AI provider account (such as OpenAI or Anthropic) for the AI cleanup step, instead of using the app's bundled cloud or paying its markup. You pay provider rates directly and control the account. Relay supports BYOK alongside fully local models.
Last updated . Prices and vendor claims come from the sources listed at the end of the page; re-check before purchase.
Most dictation apps that polish your text with AI do it one of three ways: a local model, the app's own bundled cloud (folded into your subscription), or your own API key. BYOK is the third, and it appeals to people who already pay for an AI provider and want control.
Why use your own API key
- Cost control. You pay the provider's raw per-token rate, with no app markup. If you already have an account, cleanup is nearly free.
- Model choice. Use exactly the model you want, and switch when a better one ships.
- Your account, your terms. Usage runs under your provider account and its data policies, not the app vendor's.
BYOK vs local vs bundled cloud
| Relay | Bundled cloud (typical paid app) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you pay | Your AI provider directly (BYOK) or no one (local) | The app, via subscription |
| Most private option | Local (nothing sent); BYOK sends text to your provider | Text sent to the app's servers |
| Cost model | Provider rates (BYOK) or free (local) | Flat subscription with markup |
| Model control | Full (BYOK) | Whatever the app chose |
The privacy nuance
BYOK is about cost and control, not maximum privacy. When you use your own key, the text you choose to clean up is still sent to that provider (under your account). If you want nothing to leave your Mac at all, a local model is the more private choice. The transcription itself stays on-device in Relay regardless.
How Relay does it
Relay transcribes on-device, then gives you the choice for optional cleanup: a local model (fully private, free) or your own API key (frontier capability, your account). You're never forced into a bundled cloud you can't see. Free during beta.
Frequently asked questions
What does bring your own API key mean?
It means the app lets you connect your own AI provider account (like OpenAI or Anthropic) to power features such as text cleanup, instead of using the app's bundled cloud. You pay the provider directly at their rates and control the account.
Is BYOK cheaper than a subscription?
Often, yes, especially if you already pay for an AI provider. You pay raw per-token rates with no app markup. For light use it can be a few cents; for heavy use, compare it against a flat subscription. A local model is free to run entirely.
Is bring-your-own-key private?
More controlled, but not fully private. The text you clean up still goes to your chosen provider under your account. For nothing to leave your Mac at all, use a local model. In Relay, the voice transcription is on-device either way.
Does Relay support my own API key?
Yes. Relay's optional AI cleanup can use either a local model or your own API key, so you choose between full privacy or frontier-model capability. Transcription is always on-device.
Use your own model, or none at all
Relay: on-device transcription with local or bring-your-own-key AI cleanup. Free during beta.
Download for MacFree during the beta · Apple Silicon (M1 or later) · Your voice never leaves your Mac
Get a license key and release notes by email (optional; the download does not require it)