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Use Utter with 100% free, unlimited usage by bringing your own keys or using local models. Choose the setup path that fits how you want to run transcription and AI processing:
  1. Bring your own keys: add a Deepgram key for speech-to-text and an OpenRouter key for AI processing. This guide shows that setup.
  2. Use local models: run transcription and AI processing locally. Start with Use Utter Locally.

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Overview

Utter uses two types of AI services:
  1. Speech-to-Text: Converts your voice to text.
  2. AI Processing: Cleans up and formats your text.
This guide uses Deepgram for speech-to-text and OpenRouter for AI processing. If you prefer local models instead, use a Parakeet transcription model and Apple Intelligence, LM Studio, or Ollama.
Prefer local models? Follow Use Utter Locally for the local setup path.

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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

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Free Setup Options

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FAQ

Yes. Utter is 100% free and unlimited when you bring your own keys or use local models.
Use this guide if you want to bring your own keys. Use Use Utter Locally if you want to run local models.
Free local and hosted models work well for many AI text-processing tasks. Paid models may be faster, larger, or more accurate for complex formatting and long documents.
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.

Use Utter Locally

Set up 100% free, unlimited usage with local models.

Bring Your Own Keys

Connect your own model providers and API keys.