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Fastest path: add one speech-to-text key (Deepgram), one AI key (OpenRouter), then paste both into Utter. Utter can be used completely free by bringing your own API keys. This guide shows you how to set up free API access for unlimited usage.

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Overview

Utter uses two types of AI services:
  1. Speech-to-Text: Converts your voice to text (Deepgram)
  2. AI Processing: Cleans up and formats your text (OpenRouter)
Both services offer generous free tiers that can last months or even years for typical usage.

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Step 1: Set Up Deepgram (Speech-to-Text)

Deepgram offers $200 in free credits for new accounts - enough for years of typical usage.
1

Create a Deepgram Account

Go to console.deepgram.com and sign up for a free account. New accounts automatically receive $200 in credits. No credit card required.
2

Create an API Key

Go to Settings > API Keys and click Create a New API Key.
Create API Key button in Deepgram
3

Name Your Key

Give it a name like “Utter”.
Enter name for API key
4

Copy the Key

Copy the key immediately - you won’t be able to see it again.
Copy and save API key
What to expect: You should have a Deepgram API key copied and ready to paste into Utter.
How long will $200 last?At Deepgram’s rate of ~0.0043/minute,0.0043/minute, 200 covers approximately 775 hours of transcription. If you dictate 30 minutes per day, that’s over 4 years of free usage.

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Step 2: Set Up OpenRouter (AI Processing)

OpenRouter provides access to free AI models for text processing.
1

Create an OpenRouter Account

Go to openrouter.ai and sign up.
2

Open Settings

Click your profile menu and select Settings.
Open OpenRouter settings
3

Create an API Key

Navigate to Keys and click Create Key.
Create OpenRouter API key
4

Name Your Key

Give it a name like “Utter”.
Enter name for OpenRouter API key
5

Copy the Key

Copy your API key.
Copy OpenRouter API key
6

Enable Free Models

In Privacy Settings, enable free models.
Enable free models in OpenRouter
What to expect: You should have an OpenRouter API key copied, with free models enabled in your account settings.
Free models on OpenRouter are genuinely free with no hidden costs. They’re supported by the community and AI providers.

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Step 3: Configure Utter

Once you have both API keys, add them to Utter:
1

Open Utter Settings

Click the Utter menu bar icon > Settings
2

Add Deepgram Key

Go to API Keys and paste your Deepgram API key
3

Add OpenRouter Key

Paste your OpenRouter API key
What to expect: Utter accepts both keys and lets you select a free AI model for processing. If that did not work: Re-paste each key to remove hidden spaces, then run one short dictation test. Then select a free AI model:

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Free Model Comparison

ModelSpeedQualityBest For
Google Gemma 2FastGoodGeneral use
Meta Llama 3FastGoodTechnical content
Mistral 7BVery FastGoodQuick dictation

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Cost Breakdown

ServiceFree TierTypical Monthly UsageCost
Deepgram$200 credit~$1-3$0 (from credits)
OpenRouterFree modelsUnlimited$0
Total--$0

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FAQ

Yes. Deepgram’s $200 credits last years for most users, and OpenRouter routinely offers free models.
Yes—for AI text processing, free models work excellently. Model providers routinely offer their latest and greatest models for free during testing periods, so free options are often surprisingly capable. Note that Deepgram (the transcription service) is a paid model—it’s one of the most accurate speech-to-text engines on the market, and your $200 free credits give you access to this premium quality.
Your audio goes directly to the providers you choose (Deepgram, OpenRouter). Utter doesn’t store or process your data when using BYOK.

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Alternative: Just Use Deepgram

If you only need basic transcription without AI formatting:
  1. Set up Deepgram (as above)
  2. Don’t set up an AI provider
  3. Enjoy unlimited free transcription
This gives you raw transcription without AI post-processing - perfect for verbatim notes.