Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. Thoth: Privacy-first macOS app that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings entirely on-device with no cloud or data leaving the Mac. The right pick comes down to team size, budget, and the workflows you want to automate.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and Thoth when users who want offline, private meeting notes on a mac 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.
Privacy-first macOS app that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings entirely on-device with no cloud or data leaving the Mac.
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
Thoth is a native macOS application, created by Matthieu Veinhard, that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings entirely on the user's device. It captures both microphone and system audio so it can record both sides of online meetings on platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet, and it provides live transcription with on-device speech-to-text. An on-device engine detects and color-codes individual speakers in the transcript, and the app supports a large number of languages via Whisper-based transcription. After a meeting, Thoth extracts notes, action items, and key decisions, and lets users choose between several on-device models or supply their own cloud API key, with an on-device anonymization step that can redact sensitive information before any optional cloud processing. Output can be exported to formats including PDF, Word, Markdown, and timestamped JSON. Because the app has no server and no user database, the company emphasizes that there is nothing to breach or hand over. Thoth requires Apple Silicon and is aimed at privacy-conscious professionals, those handling confidential information, and neurodivergent users who benefit from automatic capture, and it is available on the Mac App Store with an iOS beta in progress. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Thoth is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | Thoth |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | 100% local, on-device recording, transcription, and summarization |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Dual-channel capture of microphone and system audio |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | On-device speaker detection with color-coded transcripts |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Whisper-based transcription supporting many languages |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | On-device anonymization to redact sensitive content |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Export to PDF, Word, Markdown, and timestamped JSON |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
Thoth
Choose Thoth if you need professionals handling confidential or regulated information — strengths include fully local processing with no cloud requirement and no user database.
Aiko
Thoth
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while Thoth is strong for professionals handling confidential or regulated information. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and Thoth is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
Sure. Running both makes sense when their strengths don't overlap and the budget allows.
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