Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Prismical: Open-source AI note taker that transcribes meetings, lectures, and voice notes locally without bots, then organizes them into structured, actionable notes. We compare them on cost, capture approach, and day-to-day fit so you can choose faster.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Prismical when capturing voice notes and turning them into structured, searchable notes 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.
Open-source AI note taker that transcribes meetings, lectures, and voice notes locally without bots, then organizes them into structured, actionable notes.
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
Prismical is an open-source AI note taker, from the Amical project, that transcribes meetings, lectures, and voice notes using local AI and without an invasive bot joining the call. It captures system audio in the background and processes it locally with Whisper and Parakeet models, while optionally connecting to cloud providers such as OpenAI, Claude, or Gemini using the user's own API keys. The project is MIT-licensed and actively maintained, with a Prismical Desktop v0.1.0 release in May 2026 and beta mobile apps for iOS and Android. Built with Electron, Next.js, TailwindCSS, and Ollama integration, it provides real-time meeting transcription via system audio capture and a floating widget that shows live transcripts as a conversation happens. Beyond capture, Prismical generates AI-powered summaries and extracts action items, and it keeps notes organized, structured, and searchable with full-text search across captured content. It also exposes an MCP server integration for connecting the tool into broader AI workflows. The combination of bot-free local capture, structured summaries, and free-forever positioning makes it a privacy-oriented alternative to cloud meeting notetakers for individuals who want their recordings to stay on their own devices. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Prismical is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Prismical |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Bot-free real-time meeting transcription via system audio capture |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Local-first processing using Whisper and Parakeet models |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | AI-powered summaries and action-item extraction |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Floating widget for live transcripts during a conversation |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Full-text search across captured notes |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Optional cloud providers (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini) with user API keys |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Prismical
Choose Prismical if you need individuals transcribing and summarizing meetings or lectures without inviting a bot — strengths include captures meetings and voice notes locally without a bot joining calls.
Aiko
Prismical
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Prismical is strong for individuals transcribing and summarizing meetings or lectures without inviting a bot. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Prismical 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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