Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Chime Note: Chime Note is a hardware AI voice recorder paired with an app that transcribes recordings and generates ChatGPT-powered summaries and translations. Which one wins depends on your platform mix, budget, and how hands-off you want notes to be.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Chime Note when capturing and summarizing phone calls and everyday conversations matters most. Trial each on a few real meetings before you commit — the better fit usually shows fast.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
Chime Note is a hardware AI voice recorder paired with an app that transcribes recordings and generates ChatGPT-powered summaries and translations.
Aiko is a native transcription app for macOS, iOS, and visionOS, developed by Sindre Sorhus, that converts speech to text from meetings, lectures, and recordings entirely on-device. It uses OpenAI's Whisper model running locally, so audio never leaves the user's device, which makes it appealing for students and professionals with privacy requirements. Aiko transcribes both audio and video files in common formats such as .m4a, .wav, .mp3, .mp4, and .mov, and supports around 100 languages. Transcriptions can be exported in multiple formats, including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles, and the app includes a word-replacement feature to automatically correct recurring errors. It also integrates with Apple Shortcuts for automation workflows. Because Aiko prioritizes accuracy over speed, it does not perform live transcription while recording and currently does not include speaker detection, so it is best for transcribing recorded lectures, interviews, and meetings after the fact. The app is offered as a Universal Purchase with a free trial via TestFlight, making it a low-cost, privacy-first option for turning lecture and meeting recordings into searchable text. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Chime Note (CHIME NOTE Pro) is a physical AI voice recorder paired with companion software for iOS, Android, and the web (CHIME Web at app.chimenote.com). Audio is captured by pressing a button on the pocket-sized device, which can attach magnetically to a phone via MagSafe and records calls and everyday conversations, storing audio locally before it is processed into text. The app uses GPT-4o for transcription and ChatGPT-based AI summaries, both offered as free, unlimited core services. Premium, pay-as-you-go features include real-time transcription during recording and voice translation, with the multi-language chatroom function supporting automatic translation across up to 107 languages. There is no mandatory subscription; purchased usage time does not expire. The device costs $189.99 (regularly $239.99) and ships with a one-year warranty and 30-day returns. Chime Note is marketed to students, professionals, neurodiverse individuals, and travelers who want hands-free capture of meetings, interviews, and conversations. No integrations with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, or calendars are documented.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Chime Note is a free tier with paid upgrades (paid). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Chime Note |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | GPT-4o transcription of recorded audio |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | ChatGPT-powered AI summaries |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Physical pocket recorder with MagSafe magnetic phone attachment |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Real-time transcription during recording (premium) |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Voice translation supporting up to 107 languages (premium) |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Companion apps for iOS, Android, and web |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Chime Note
Choose Chime Note if you need recording and transcribing in-person meetings and interviews — strengths include core recording, transcription, and ai summaries are free with no subscription required.
Aiko
Chime Note
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Chime Note is strong for recording and transcribing in-person meetings and interviews. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Chime Note is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Yes. Many teams run more than one meeting assistant when the workflows are complementary.
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