Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. HiDock: AI note-taking hardware (docks, recorders, mini devices) paired with the HiNotes app to transcribe and summarize meetings. 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 HiDock when capturing phone calls and bluetooth-earphone conversations for notes matters most. Test each on your own meetings; the right choice tends to become obvious quickly.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
AI note-taking hardware (docks, recorders, mini devices) paired with the HiNotes app to transcribe and summarize meetings.
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
HiDock is a hardware-and-software brand built around capturing meeting audio and turning it into transcripts and summaries through its companion HiNotes service. The product line includes USB-C docking stations such as the H1E and the O1 meeting-room dock, the HiDock P1 voice recorder for Bluetooth earphones, and the P1 mini for capturing phone calls and in-person conversations. The devices capture two-way audio from video calls, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings, including a proprietary BlueCatch technology that records through standard Bluetooth earbuds. Captured audio is sent to HiNotes, which auto-transcribes it and generates AI summaries using tailored templates organized by profession, such as sales, engineering, HR, and education. HiDock markets unlimited AI transcription across many languages, and because recording happens on the device or dock rather than through a meeting bot, no extra participant needs to join the call. The approach suits people who hold in-person or mixed meetings and want a dedicated capture device rather than a browser bot. HiNotes is available as a mobile and web app that turns recordings into searchable, actionable notes. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); HiDock is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | HiDock |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Hardware capture devices (docks, recorders, phone-call mini) for video, phone, and in-person meetings |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | HiNotes companion app for transcription and AI summaries |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | BlueCatch recording through standard Bluetooth earphones |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Profession-specific summary templates |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Multi-language transcription support |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Bot-free capture that does not require others to join via an assistant |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
HiDock
Choose HiDock if you need recording and summarizing in-person and conference-room meetings — strengths include dedicated hardware works well for in-person and mixed meetings, not just web calls.
Aiko
HiDock
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while HiDock is strong for recording and summarizing in-person and conference-room meetings. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and HiDock is a free tier with paid upgrades. 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.
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