Running Speechmatics locally is very different from using the cloud version. Local Speechmatics processes audio directly on your hardware, which means your laptop must be capable of sustained, high‑performance workloads. This guide explains what you need and why most consumer systems struggle with local Speechmatics.

Why Local Speechmatics Needs Strong Hardware

Cloud Speechmatics offloads all processing to remote servers. Local Speechmatics does the opposite: your system handles the entire workload. This includes audio processing, model inference, and continuous data flow between your CAT software and the engine.

Local Speechmatics requires:

• High sustained CPU performance
• Reliable cooling under continuous load
• Fast NVMe storage for low‑latency operations
• Stable USB and network paths
• Consistent power delivery

CPU Requirements

Local Speechmatics relies heavily on CPU performance. Burst speed is not enough; the system must maintain high performance over long periods without throttling. Many thin consumer laptops cannot sustain this load and will slow down as temperatures rise.

Recommended: High‑performance mobile CPUs with strong cooling systems.

Cooling and Thermal Stability

Speechmatics workloads generate continuous heat. If the system cannot dissipate that heat, the CPU will throttle, causing lag, delayed output, or inconsistent realtime performance. This is one of the most common issues reporters face when attempting to run Speechmatics locally on consumer hardware.

Recommended: Systems with large cooling assemblies and proven thermal stability.

Storage Requirements

Local Speechmatics benefits from fast NVMe storage. Slow or saturated drives can introduce latency, especially when the system is under load or when background processes are active.

Recommended: High‑quality NVMe SSDs with strong sustained performance.

Network and USB Stability

Even when running locally, Speechmatics depends on stable data flow between your CAT software, audio interface, and the engine. USB instability or network jitter can cause dropouts, bursts, or delayed output.

Recommended: Reliable USB controllers and clean network paths.

Why M‑Tech Systems Are Ideal for Local Speechmatics

M‑Tech laptops are engineered for sustained realtime workloads. Our systems prioritize cooling, stability, and consistent performance—exactly what local Speechmatics requires. Reporters who plan to run Speechmatics locally or pair it with a Boost Box will benefit from hardware designed specifically for these demands.

Learn why M‑Tech is ideal for local Speechmatics »