Free vs Pro

MindLock offers two ways to use the app: a completely free local mode and a Pro subscription with cloud features. Here's everything you need to know to choose what's right for you.

Quick Comparison

Free Mode (Local)

Everything runs on your device. No account required, no data ever leaves your computer.

Storage

Your data is stored in your browser's IndexedDB:

• Completely local - Nothing is uploaded anywhere
• No account needed - Just start using MindLock
• Device-specific - Data only exists on this browser/device
• Persistence - Data remains until you clear browser data

Important: If you clear your browser data or use a different browser/device, you'll need to export your data first. Consider regular exports as backups.

AI Processing

Local AI runs on your device using WebLLM:

• Your GPU - Uses your graphics card for processing
• Requirements - GPU with 4GB+ VRAM (most modern GPUs work)
• First-time setup - Downloads a 1-2 GB model
• Offline capable - Works without internet after model download
• Complete privacy - No data sent to any server

Speed & Quality

Local AI is slower than cloud but provides good results:

• Distillation takes 1-3 minutes depending on conversation length
• Quality is good for most use cases
• Multiple model options (Fast, Balanced, Quality) to match your hardware

Best For

• Privacy-focused users - Your data never leaves your device
• Sensitive conversations - Work, medical, legal, personal content
• Offline use - Travel, limited connectivity
• Budget-conscious - No monthly fee
• Single device - You use MindLock on one computer

Pro Mode ($5/month)

Sync across devices and use faster cloud AI for better results.

Storage

Your data syncs to Firebase cloud storage:

• Encrypted - Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Accessible anywhere - Use MindLock on any device
• Automatic sync - Changes appear on all your devices
• Reliable backup - No need to manually export

AI Processing

Pro gives you access to cloud AI (Google Gemini):

• Fast - Distillation in seconds, not minutes
• Higher quality - Better summaries and organization
• No GPU needed - Works on any device
• 100 operations/month - Distillations and context generation

You can still use Local AI on Pro if you prefer privacy for specific conversations.

Speed & Quality

Cloud AI provides the best experience:

• Distillation completes in 10-30 seconds
• Higher quality summaries with better organization
• More nuanced understanding of your conversations

Best For

• Multi-device users - Access your memories everywhere
• Speed priority - Get results quickly
• Lower-end hardware - No powerful GPU needed
• Power users - Heavy use of distillation and context generation
• Teams (coming soon) - Shared workspaces

Privacy Comparison

Free Mode Privacy

• Zero data transmission after initial model download
• All processing happens in your browser
• No accounts, no tracking, no analytics
• You have complete control

Pro Mode Privacy

• Data encrypted in transit (HTTPS) and at rest
• Stored in Firebase with your user ID
• Only you can access your data
• We never read, analyze, or train on your content
• You can export and delete your data anytime

Upgrading to Pro

Ready to try Pro? Here's how:

1. Sign in with Google or GitHub
2. Go to Settings or Pricing
3. Subscribe to Pro ($5/month)
4. Your local data migrates automatically to the cloud

Downgrading to Free

If you decide Pro isn't for you:

1. Export your data from Settings
2. Cancel your subscription
3. Your data remains accessible until the billing period ends
4. Import your export to continue using Free mode locally

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both modes? Yes! Pro users can use Local AI for sensitive conversations while using Cloud AI for everything else.

What happens to my data if I cancel Pro? Your data remains until your billing period ends. Export it before canceling to keep using it locally.

Is 100 cloud operations per month enough? For most users, yes. Each distillation or context generation counts as one operation. Heavy users might need to supplement with Local AI.

Can I switch from Free to Pro later? Absolutely. Your local data will be migrated to the cloud when you upgrade.

Is my data safe in the cloud? Yes. Data is encrypted, stored securely, and only accessible to you. We don't read or use your content.