Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Sembly AI: Team-focused notetaker with action items across 48 languages Which one wins depends on your platform mix, budget, and how hands-off you want notes to be.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Sembly AI when multilingual meeting transcription 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.
Team-focused notetaker with action items across 48 languages
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
Sembly AI records and transcribes meetings in 40+ languages, then produces AI notes, summaries, and automatically detected tasks, with an AI chat assistant (Semblian) over single or multiple meetings. It connects to Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Webex, and automates via Zapier, webhooks, MCP, and CRM tools. As of March 2026, Sembly no longer offers a permanent free plan — the only no-cost option is a time-limited Basic free trial; paid plans start at $10/user/mo (annual).
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Sembly AI is from $10/mo (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Sembly AI |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | 40+ language transcription |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Automated action items |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Semblian AI chat |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Workflow automations |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | 40+ language transcription |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Automated action items |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Sembly AI
Choose Sembly AI if you need team ai notes with task automation — strengths include transcription and ai notes in 40+ languages.
Aiko
Sembly AI
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Sembly AI is strong for team ai notes with task automation. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Sembly AI is from $10/mo. 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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