Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Kai for Chrome: A Chrome extension that transcribes and summarizes meetings entirely on-device in the browser, with no bot, no account, and no upload. 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 Kai for Chrome when generating quick meeting summaries and action items without any setup 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.
A Chrome extension that transcribes and summarizes meetings entirely on-device in the browser, with no bot, no account, and no upload.
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
Kai is a Chrome extension that transcribes and summarizes meetings entirely within the browser, running the full pipeline on the user's own device. Built by Morgen, the team behind the Morgen calendar app, it captures audio from any meeting or audio tab in Chrome, including Google Meet, the Zoom web client, and Microsoft Teams, without sending a bot into the call and without requiring an account or sign-up. Recording is triggered with a keyboard shortcut from the meeting tab. Audio capture happens in an offscreen document inside the extension and is transcribed locally using a Whisper speech-to-text model running via WebGPU or WebAssembly, so the audio never leaves the machine. At the end of a call, a local language model produces a clean summary with decisions, topics, and action items, including who is responsible. A side-panel interface lets users follow the transcript live during the meeting, and notes can optionally be emailed to a team in one click, at which point only the final text is shared. This makes Kai well suited to individuals who want fast, private, browser-based meeting notes without installing a desktop app or adding a visible bot, with an initial focus on English-language meetings. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Kai for Chrome is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Kai for Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Fully on-device transcription in the browser via Whisper on WebGPU or WebAssembly |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Bot-free capture from Google Meet, Zoom web, Teams, and any Chrome audio tab |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | No account or sign-up required to start transcribing |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Keyboard-shortcut recording with a live transcript side panel |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Local summaries with decisions, topics, and assigned action items |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | One-click optional email sharing of finished notes |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Kai for Chrome
Choose Kai for Chrome if you need privately transcribing google meet, zoom web, or teams calls inside chrome — strengths include audio and transcription stay on-device for strong privacy.
Aiko
Kai for Chrome
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Kai for Chrome is strong for privately transcribing google meet, zoom web, or teams calls inside chrome. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Kai for Chrome is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Often yes: teams combine tools when one handles capture and another handles analysis.
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