Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Fathom: AI meeting assistant with a generous free tier — unlimited recording and transcription plus instant AI summaries. The right pick comes down to team size, budget, and the workflows you want to automate.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Fathom when sales teams using summary templates 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.
AI meeting assistant with a generous free tier — unlimited recording and transcription plus instant AI summaries.
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
Fathom (fathom.ai) records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings across Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. Its free plan is unusually generous: unlimited recording and transcription with instant AI summaries. Paid plans add 15+ summary templates (BANT, Sandler, etc.), AI action items, CRM sync (HubSpot, Salesforce), and a bot-free capture option (beta on Mac).
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Fathom is from $16/mo (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Fathom |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Unlimited free recording |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | AI summary templates |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Bot-free option (Mac beta) |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | CRM sync |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Unlimited free recording |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | AI summary templates |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Fathom
Choose Fathom if you need solo users and small teams wanting the most generous free recording — strengths include unlimited recording and transcription on the free plan.
Aiko
Fathom
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Fathom is strong for solo users and small teams wanting the most generous free recording. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Fathom is from $16/mo. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
You can — some teams pair them when each covers a different part of the meeting workflow.
More head-to-head comparisons involving Aiko and Fathom.
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