Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Sona Insight: Apple-ecosystem AI app that records, transcribes, summarizes, and lets you chat with meetings, lectures, and interviews. 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 Sona Insight when capturing lectures and interviews with custom summary formats 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.
Apple-ecosystem AI app that records, transcribes, summarizes, and lets you chat with meetings, lectures, and interviews.
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
Sona Insight (also presented simply as Sona, at sona.wtf) is an AI-powered voice-to-text and meeting assistant built for the Apple ecosystem, with support across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and additional Apple platforms, plus a web browser experience. The app records conversations and transcribes them into text across a wide range of languages, then automatically summarizes key points and action items. Users can apply custom summary templates tailored to meetings, lectures, or interviews, and an AI chat feature lets them ask follow-up questions, brainstorm, or draft follow-ups based on the captured conversation. Sona supports offline recording, with internet required only for processing and AI queries, and it includes Apple-native touches such as Live Activities, Dynamic Island support, and an Apple Watch app for quick capture. Transcripts and summaries are stored in each user's personal account and can be exported and shared as PDF or text. The product targets people who want to stay present in a meeting or lecture while letting AI handle transcription, summarization, and recall afterward. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Sona Insight is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Sona Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Records and transcribes meetings, lectures, and interviews |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Automatic summaries with key points and action items |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Custom summary templates for different conversation types |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | AI chat to ask questions and draft follow-ups from transcripts |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Offline recording with PDF/TXT export and sharing |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Apple-native Live Activities, Dynamic Island, and Apple Watch support |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Sona Insight
Choose Sona Insight if you need recording and summarizing meetings while staying present — strengths include deep apple-ecosystem integration across iphone, ipad, mac, and watch.
Aiko
Sona Insight
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Sona Insight is strong for recording and summarizing meetings while staying present. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Sona Insight 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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