Your data. Your control. Our transparency.
HandsOff is built on the principle: we can't read what we don't see. We have no servers, no database, no access to your transcriptions.
Where your data goes
Data Storage
API Key
- βStored in macOS Keychain (system protected storage)
- βOnly accessible by HandsOff and only from your Mac
- βCan be deleted anytime from settings
- βWe don't log or send it anywhere except OpenAI on your request
Audio
- βTemporary file/buffer for processing
- βDeleted immediately after transcription
- βNot uploaded to our servers (we don't have any)
Transcription History
- βLocal JSON file in ~/Library/Application Support/HandsOff/
- βMaximum 2000 entries (auto-cleanup of old ones)
- βCan be exported, cleared, or disabled completely
OpenAI API vs Local whisper.cpp
| Criterion | OpenAI API | Local whisper.cpp |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | β οΈData in OpenAI | β
100% local |
| Speed | β
~2-5 sec | β οΈ~5-15 sec (depends on Mac) |
| Quality | β
Excellent | β
Good |
| Internet | β οΈRequired | β
Not required |
| Cost | β οΈ~$0.006/ΠΌΠΈΠ½ | β
Free |
| Languages | β
50+ | β
50+ |
| Model size | ββ | β οΈ~1.5 GB on disk |
| Requirements | β οΈOpenAI API key | β
Apple Silicon or Intel Mac |
For most tasks: OpenAI API (fast, quality, ~$3-5/month). For maximum privacy: local mode (free, offline).
Privacy FAQ
No. The key is stored in macOS Keychain on your Mac. We don't log it or send it anywhere except to OpenAI when you make a request.
No. History is stored locally on your Mac as a JSON file. We have no servers or database.
Use local whisper.cpp mode. Audio never leaves your computer.
Yes, if your company allows OpenAI API (with your corporate key). Or use local mode for complete isolation.
Yes, you can disable history saving in settings. Text will only be inserted but not saved to disk.
Yes, if VPN doesn't block access to api.openai.com. Local mode works without internet.
No. HandsOff contains no third-party SDKs for analytics. We don't collect telemetry.