Court reporters and voice writers often ask the same questions about Speechmatics: Is the cloud fast enough? Is the Boost Box stable? Will it keep up during realtime? This page explains the strengths and limits of each option in clear, practical terms.

1. Is Cloud Speechmatics Reliable?

Cloud Speechmatics is designed to be safe and reliable. The service runs on secure, redundant servers and is used worldwide. For many reporters, cloud performance is fast enough for realtime work.

However, cloud performance depends on your internet connection. The engine itself is fast, but the audio must travel from your laptop to the cloud and back. This means:

• Stable upload speed is more important than download speed.
• Network jitter can cause short delays or bursts.
• Courtroom Wi-Fi is often restricted or inconsistent.
• Mobile hotspots can vary depending on signal strength.

If your internet connection is strong and consistent, cloud Speechmatics can perform very well. If your connection is unstable, you may see lag or brief pauses.

2. Is the Boost Box Fast Enough?

The Boost Box is a local Speechmatics appliance. It processes audio on-site instead of sending it to the cloud. This removes the dependency on courtroom Wi-Fi or cellular hotspots.

Benefits of the Boost Box:

• Very low latency because processing is local.
• Stable performance even in restricted network environments.
• Consistent output during long realtime sessions.

The Boost Box is generally fast enough for realtime work. It is designed for sustained processing and is more predictable than cloud usage in poor network conditions.

However, the Boost Box is still an external device. It depends on:

• Proper cabling and connections.
• Stable power.
• A clean network path between your laptop and the box.

When set up correctly, it is a reliable and long-lasting solution.

3. Running Speechmatics Directly on Your Laptop

Some reporters who use a Boost Box may also be eligible for a local Speechmatics installation on their laptop. This option removes both the cloud and the external appliance.

Local Speechmatics requires strong hardware because the engine runs directly on your system. Key requirements include:

• High sustained CPU performance.
• Reliable cooling under continuous load.
• Fast NVMe storage.
• Stable USB and audio paths.

A top-tier laptop designed for realtime workloads can deliver the fastest and most stable Speechmatics experience because everything happens inside the system with no external dependencies.

4. Which Option Is Most Reliable?

Each option has strengths:

• Cloud: Convenient and powerful, but depends on your internet connection.
• Boost Box: Local and stable, ideal for courtrooms with poor or restricted networks.
• Local Install: Fastest and most consistent when paired with high-performance hardware.

For reporters who want the most predictable realtime performance, a high-end laptop built for sustained processing offers the strongest foundation. It removes network variables and external hardware points of failure.

5. What Causes Speechmatics Issues?

Most Speechmatics problems are not caused by the engine itself. Common causes include:

• Weak or unstable internet (cloud only).
• Network jitter or packet loss.
• Underpowered laptops struggling under load.
• Thermal throttling during long sessions.
• USB audio instability.
• Incorrect Boost Box network configuration.

These issues can often be resolved with proper hardware, stable connections, and correct setup.

6. When To Contact M-Tech

We can help if you experience:

• Lag or bursts during realtime.
• Audio dropouts or inconsistent recognition.
• Boost Box connection problems.
• Performance issues on your laptop.

Our systems are engineered for sustained realtime workloads, making them an excellent match for Speechmatics whether you use cloud, Boost Box, or a local installation.

We are here to help you choose the setup that fits your workflow and ensures the most reliable performance.