By DOCU.expert
The Debate: Local or Cloud?
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work with documents. But a critical question arises: where should your information be processed?
offers both options. Let's see which suits you.
☁️ Cloud AI
✅ Advantages
- No installation: Access from any device, web browser is enough, automatic updates
- More powerful: Larger, more capable models, faster processing, advanced features
- Synchronization: Multiple devices, easier teamwork, automatic backups
- Lower entry cost: No powerful hardware needed, pay-per-use
❌ Disadvantages
- Internet dependency: No WiFi/4G, no service
- Delegated privacy: Data on third-party servers, possible international transfer
- Recurring cost: Monthly/annual subscription, can get expensive
- Less control: Depends on provider, possible service closure
🖥️ Local AI (Desktop)
✅ Advantages
- Absolute privacy: Documents never leave your computer, guaranteed GDPR compliance
- No internet dependency: Works offline, no latency, always available
- No recurring costs: One-time payment or free, no billing surprises
- Total control: You decide when to update, will always work
❌ Disadvantages
- Requires powerful hardware: GPU recommended, more RAM (8-16GB minimum)
- Installation required: Initial setup, manual updates
- Limited models: Less powerful than cloud, slower processing
- No automatic sync: Data on single device, manual backups
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Cloud AI | Local AI |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | ⚠️ Delegated to provider | ✅ 100% controlled by you |
| Internet | ❌ Required | ✅ Works offline |
| Cost | 💰 Recurring | 💵 One-time or free |
| Power | ✅ Maximum | ⚠️ Hardware dependent |
| Installation | ✅ Not needed | ❌ Required |
| Sync | ✅ Automatic | ❌ Manual |
| Control | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Total |
| GDPR Compliance | ⚠️ Provider dependent | ✅ Guaranteed |
Which to Choose According to Your Case?
☁️ Choose Cloud AI if...
- ✅ You work from multiple devices
- ✅ You need team collaboration
- ✅ You prioritize power over privacy
- ✅ You always have good internet connection
- ✅ You don't handle ultra-sensitive data
Ideal for:
Distributed teams • Cloud-native companies • Convenience-focused users • Non-confidential documents
🖥️ Choose Local AI if...
- ✅ You handle confidential or sensitive data
- ✅ You must comply with strict regulations (GDPR, HIPAA)
- ✅ You work with professional secrecy
- ✅ You don't always have reliable internet
- ✅ You prioritize control and privacy
Ideal for:
Law firms • Medical clinics • Notary offices • Accountants • Journalists • Governments
's Solution: Best of Both Worlds
🔐
Private Cloud Experts
- ✓ European servers
- ✓ End-to-end encryption
- ✓ No training use
- ✓ GDPR compliance
From €4.50/month
🖥️
100% Local Desktop
- ✓ Absolute privacy
- ✓ No usage limits
- ✓ Works offline
- ✓ Ultra-sensitive data
Included in Pro plans
🌐
Public Experts
- ✓ BOE, IRPF, VAT, etc.
- ✓ Public data, no risk
- ✓ Immediate access
- ✓ Regulatory queries
100% Free
Combined Use Scenarios
⚖️
Law Firm
🌐
Public: BOE, Criminal Code
🖥️
Local: Contracts, sensitive cases
🔐
Private Cloud: Firm's case law
📊
Accounting Firm
🌐
Public: Tax regulations, forms
🖥️
Local: Client declarations
🔐
Private Cloud: Procedures, FAQs
🏥
Medical Clinic
🌐
Public: Protocols, guidelines
🖥️
Local: Patient records
⚠️
Private Cloud: Protocols only (no patients)
Final Recommendation
It's not an exclusive choice. You can (and should) use both according to data type:
- Public or non-sensitive data → Public cloud (free)
- Internal but not ultra-sensitive data → Private cloud
- Confidential or protected data → Local desktop
Conclusion
The "best" option doesn't exist. It depends on your priorities:
- You prioritize privacy and control → Local
- You prioritize convenience and power → Cloud (with trusted provider)
- You want the best of both worlds → Combine according to each situation
gives you the flexibility to choose for each situation.
Want to try both Cloud and Desktop? Start free
local AIcloudprivacycomparisontechnology
More articles
Technology
Shared AIs: How Your Documents Are Training Future Models (Without Your Consent)
10 min
Technology
vs 
NotebookLM: The Private Alternative for Your Documents
8 min
Technology
vs ChatGPT: Which Is Better for Document Analysis?
9 min
Privacy
Privacy in Business Documents: Why Your Information Should Never Leave Your Control
8 min