If you're using Microsoft Dictate for transcription, you might be wondering how your audio data is handled. This review examines Microsoft Dictate's privacy practices and compares them with a fully local alternative.

How Microsoft Dictate Handles Your Data

Microsoft Dictate processes voice data through Azure cloud services. Audio is sent to Microsoft servers for speech-to-text conversion.

Key privacy considerations:

• Audio processed through Azure cloud services
• Data subject to Microsoft services agreement
• Voice data may be used for service improvement
• Requires Microsoft account and internet connection

Microsoft Dictate vs Local Transcription

The fundamental difference is where your audio goes:

Best Private Alternative to Microsoft Dictate

If privacy is a priority, Hapi offers a fundamentally different approach:

• 100% local processing — audio never leaves your Mac
• No cloud, no accounts — no data to breach
• 25+ languages — with auto-detection
• Meeting transcription — with speaker labels
• Free — no subscription required

Your audio stays on your device. Period.