AI Route Comparison
Local AI vs. cloud AI for notes.
Compare local and connected AI note workflows by privacy boundary, setup, model choice, availability, and best fit.
Direct answer
Is local AI or cloud AI better for notes?
Local AI is usually the better fit when keeping request content on hardware you control is the priority. Connected AI can help when you deliberately want a provider’s model capabilities. Hibiscus supports both routes.
- Local: hardware you control
- Cloud: chosen provider
- Route per task
Privacy boundary
A local Ollama request goes to your configured runtime. A connected request sends approved content to the provider attached to your key.
Setup and availability
Local AI needs runtime, storage, and Mac resources. Connected AI needs provider access, a key, and network connectivity.
A practical choice
Use local AI for sensitive or offline work when the model is sufficient; choose a connected route for a specific justified task.
Clear answers
Common questions.
Can one app support both?
Yes. Hibiscus supports on-device, Ollama, and bring-your-own-key routes.
Is local AI always offline?
A local runtime can be offline, but a runtime hosted elsewhere still uses that connection.
Can locked notes stay out of both?
Yes. Locked content is excluded from AI context.
