StillWren

Overview

StillWren combines recording, file import, transcription, transcript search, drafting tools, redaction, and export in one web application. It is aimed at litigation, solo and small firms, in-house counsel, and immigration and family practices. Audio is not uploaded during normal transcription, and work can continue offline after the one-time model download. That makes it a sensible fit for confidential material or unreliable connectivity, provided the user works in desktop Chrome or Edge.

Key features

Recording can come from a microphone, or users can import MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, MP4, MOV, and WebM files up to 500 MB. FTR .trm files require conversion to MP3 first, an extra step for practices using that format. Whisper-based transcription includes word timestamps, custom vocabulary, filler-word cleanup, and both recording and upload modes. On-device diarization separates speakers and color-codes transcript lines, which helps navigate depositions and interviews.

The transcript workflow goes beyond plain text. On-device tools generate summaries, follow-ups, key decisions, and chapter markers, while transcript chat answers questions from the imported material. Rule-based redaction can target names and identifiers on-device. Exports include DOCX, PDF, TXT, SRT, and other formats, and library-wide search helps retrieve prior work. Transcription covers more than 100 languages and translation more than 30, making it practical for multilingual matters.

Privacy is central: transcripts remain in the browser's local database. Optional sync stores ciphertext encrypted on-device with a passphrase-derived key. An end-to-end encrypted mobile-to-desktop handoff is the exception to the no-upload transcription path; its relay copy is deleted after pickup. Clio interoperability is described as CSV exchange, not a native endorsed integration.

Pricing

Free: Free. Without an account, the allowance is 50 minutes per month; a free account raises it to 300 minutes per month. The full editor and all exports are included, so occasional users can evaluate the complete workflow rather than a restricted viewer. The trade-off is the monthly minute cap.

Pro: custom pricing. It adds unlimited minutes, the on-device AI legal suite, encrypted sync, and mobile handoff. This is the tier for firms with sustained transcription volume or a need to move work between devices, but the unlisted price means budgeting requires a direct quote.

A 14-day trial is offered. The published plans do not state seat limits or renewal terms, so organizations should confirm those before committing.

Platforms

StillWren runs on the web, with desktop Chrome or Edge specified by the maker. Transcription and dictation work offline once models are downloaded. The AI drafting suite requires a WebGPU-capable browser, so a compatible desktop setup is necessary for summaries, chat, and related drafting features. It is not presented as a general native desktop or mobile application.

Who it's for

Choose StillWren if you handle confidential legal recordings, want local processing and optional encrypted sync, and can work within its browser and file limits. Solo practitioners and small firms can get the full editor and exports on the free plan, while higher-volume practices are the natural audience for Pro. It is less suitable when you need native mobile coverage, larger uploads, or a published per-seat price.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Offline, on-device transcription limits routine audio exposure and supports work without connectivity after setup.
• The free plan includes the full editor and exports, with up to 300 minutes monthly for an account.
• Legal-oriented AI, diarization, timestamps, redaction, and broad language support cover a complete transcript workflow.
• DOCX, PDF, TXT, SRT, and other exports make results usable in downstream document work.

Cons

• Desktop Chrome or Edge is required, and AI drafting additionally depends on WebGPU.
• Imports stop at 500 MB, and FTR .trm files need prior MP3 export.
• Pro pricing is custom, leaving the cost of unlimited use and sync unclear until quotation.
• Clio support is CSV interoperability rather than an endorsed native integration.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Legal Transcription Software.

• MatterScribe suits users who prefer pay-as-you-go billing at $0.10 per minute, accept three-day file retention and a card on file, and need Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, or web access.
• HappyScribe Legal is the better match for Android or iOS users seeking a freemium mobile-and-web option with 45 minutes per recording and limited AI analysis.
• Rev fits readers wanting API access and a published $29.99 monthly Essentials plan, though its free transcription is English-only.
• SoniClear Transcriber 10 offers a Windows/web manual player and a published $360 annual Pro plan.
• WhisperAI Legal Transcription is an alternative with extension and iOS support and a $14.99 monthly Premium tier.
• Filevine is for teams seeking custom-built matter, document, billing, and optional legal packages rather than a focused local transcription tool.
• FTR Justice Cloud is an alternative for organizations whose workflow centers on its supported platform mix.
• ArcaScribe is another freemium option for macOS and Windows users.

Verdict

StillWren is a strong choice for legal professionals who prioritize private, offline transcription and want editing, redaction, AI transcript tools, and exports in one browser workspace. Look elsewhere if you require mobile-first or native coverage, imports above 500 MB, a native Clio connection, or transparent Pro pricing.