Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Descript: Video/podcast editor with transcription and meeting recording This comparison weighs them on pricing, features, and everyday workflow fit.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Descript when generating captions and subtitles for published content matters most. Try them side by side on real calls before deciding — needs vary by team.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
Video/podcast editor with transcription and meeting recording
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
Descript is an audio and video editing platform built around text-based editing, where the spoken content of a recording is automatically transcribed and the resulting transcript becomes the primary way to edit the media. When users import or record audio and video, Descript generates a transcript that they can read, search, and edit, with changes to the text reflected in the underlying recording. The platform also offers one-click caption and subtitle generation so the transcribed words can be displayed on screen and styled to match a project. In addition to transcription and captions, Descript provides features for podcast and video production, including multitrack editing, screen recording, and AI-assisted tools. Because editing the transcript edits the media, it is especially useful for podcasters, video creators, and teams who want to cut filler, rearrange segments, or repurpose content without working frame by frame. Descript is aimed at content creators, marketers, educators, and teams who want transcription, captions, and editing combined in a single workflow. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Descript is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Descript |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Automatic transcription of imported or recorded audio and video |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Text-based editing where editing the transcript edits the media |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | One-click caption and subtitle generation |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Multitrack audio and video editing |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Screen and audio recording built in |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Automatic transcription of imported or recorded audio and video |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Descript
Choose Descript if you need editing podcasts and videos by editing the transcript — strengths include transcript-driven editing makes cutting and rearranging content fast.
Aiko
Descript
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Descript is strong for editing podcasts and videos by editing the transcript. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Descript 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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