If Speechmatics is lagging, bursting, or producing inconsistent realtime output, you are not alone. Most issues come down to network stability (for cloud use) or hardware performance (for local use). This guide walks you through the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. Lag or Delayed Output

Lag is usually caused by unstable upload paths (cloud) or CPU throttling (local). If text appears several seconds late or arrives in chunks, start with these checks.

Cloud Speechmatics:

• Switch from Wi‑Fi to a wired connection if possible
• Move closer to your access point
• Disable VPNs or bandwidth‑heavy apps
• Check for upload jitter, not just speed

Local Speechmatics:

• Ensure your laptop is not overheating
• Close background apps that use CPU
• Verify your system is not in a low‑power mode
• Check that your NVMe drive is not near capacity

2. Bursty or Chunked Text

When Speechmatics outputs several words at once instead of smoothly, it usually indicates network jitter (cloud) or data flow interruptions (local).

Common causes:

• Unstable Wi‑Fi or cellular hotspots
• USB audio devices disconnecting or resetting
• Background sync tools (OneDrive, Dropbox)
• Thermal throttling on thin consumer laptops

Review USB stability guidance »

3. Audio Dropouts or Poor Accuracy

Speechmatics depends on clean, uninterrupted audio. If accuracy suddenly drops or the engine mishears words, the issue is often microphone placement or USB instability.

Steps to check:

• Verify microphone distance and angle
• Use a high‑quality USB cable and avoid hubs
• Disable audio enhancements in Windows
• Ensure no other apps are using the microphone

4. Network Problems (Cloud Speechmatics)

Cloud Speechmatics requires a stable upload path. Even if your speed is high, jitter or packet loss can cause realtime issues.

Fixes:

• Use 5 GHz Wi‑Fi instead of 2.4 GHz
• Restart your router or hotspot
• Disable background network apps
• Try a different network if possible

5. Hardware Problems (Local Speechmatics)

Local Speechmatics requires strong CPU performance and reliable cooling. If your system overheats or throttles, realtime performance will suffer.

Fixes:

• Ensure your laptop has adequate ventilation
• Close unnecessary background apps
• Check CPU temperatures during realtime
• Use a system designed for sustained workloads

Learn about hardware requirements for local Speechmatics »

6. When to Consider Local Speechmatics

If you frequently work in courtrooms with unreliable Wi‑Fi or strict IT policies, local Speechmatics or a Boost Box may provide more consistent performance.

Learn about the Speechmatics Boost Box »

Need Help?

M‑Tech can help you determine whether your issues are network‑related, hardware‑related, or configuration‑related. As Speechmatics continues to evolve, we will expand this guide with more detailed troubleshooting steps.