Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. FoCase Rec: FoCase Rec is a magnetic hardware recorder plus companion app that captures phone calls and in-person audio, then transcribes and summarizes the recordings using AI. Here's where each one pulls ahead on pricing, features, and the meetings it suits best.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and FoCase Rec when capturing in-person meetings, interviews, and lectures for later transcription and review 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.
FoCase Rec is a magnetic hardware recorder plus companion app that captures phone calls and in-person audio, then transcribes and summarizes the recordings using AI.
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
FoCase Rec is a hybrid hardware-and-software product for recording, transcribing, and summarizing conversations. The slim magnetic device attaches to the back of an iPhone and uses vibration-conduction technology to capture both sides of a phone call with a single button press, working around iOS call-recording restrictions without Bluetooth pairing for capture. It also doubles as a standalone voice recorder for lectures, meetings, and interviews, with dual-microphone noise reduction. Recordings sync to the FoCase Rec app, where OpenAI Whisper powers voice-to-text transcription across more than 100 languages, and GPT-based AI generates summaries and mind maps that extract key points. The app supports playback, simple editing, password protection, file transfer, and one-tap sharing of audio, transcripts, and summaries. It is aimed at professionals, sales and support staff, students, and anyone who needs documented records of calls and meetings. The recorder is a one-time purchase, and the company advertises free lifetime call recording plus included AI transcription and summarization up to a monthly minute allowance, avoiding recurring subscription fees.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); FoCase Rec is a free tier with paid upgrades (paid). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | FoCase Rec |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Magnetic phone-back recorder that captures both sides of iPhone calls with a single button press |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Doubles as a standalone voice recorder for meetings, lectures, and interviews with dual-mic noise reduction |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | AI transcription via OpenAI Whisper supporting 100+ languages |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | AI summarization and mind-map generation using GPT to extract key points |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Companion app for playback, simple editing, file transfer, and one-tap sharing of audio, transcripts, and summaries |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Password protection for stored recordings |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
FoCase Rec
Choose FoCase Rec if you need recording and documenting business or sales phone calls with searchable transcripts and summaries — strengths include records phone calls on iphone without app-based workarounds or per-call fees, plus works for in-person audio.
Aiko
FoCase Rec
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while FoCase Rec is strong for recording and documenting business or sales phone calls with searchable transcripts and summaries. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and FoCase Rec is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Sure. Running both makes sense when their strengths don't overlap and the budget allows.
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