Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. TranscribeAudio: A Chrome extension that transcribes any browser tab's audio into a live, floating real-time caption overlay using OpenAI's Whisper-based speech recognition. Below, they line up on price, capture method, and how each fits a real meeting stack.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Aiko when transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying matters most, and TranscribeAudio when transcribing online lectures, courses, and webinars for study notes matters most. Test each on your own meetings; the right choice tends to become obvious quickly.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
A Chrome extension that transcribes any browser tab's audio into a live, floating real-time caption overlay using OpenAI's Whisper-based speech recognition.
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
TranscribeAudio is a Chrome browser extension that captures the audio playing in any browser tab and turns it into real-time text, displayed in a repositionable floating caption overlay while you keep working. It is aimed at people who want live captions and transcripts for online meetings, lectures, courses, podcasts, webinars, and videos. Because it works from tab audio rather than joining calls as a meeting bot, it can transcribe Zoom, Google Meet, YouTube, Vimeo, and essentially any site with audio or video without sending notifications into the call. Transcription is powered by OpenAI's Whisper-based speech recognition, which the company says handles accents, background noise, and specialized terminology, and supports over 50 languages. Setup is a three-step flow: install from the Chrome Web Store, sign in, then click Start Transcribing on a tab. Finished transcripts can be exported as text files for notes, summaries, or sharing, with cloud storage listed as an upcoming feature. The product offers a free tier with paid upgrades for more usage, languages, and faster transcription.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); TranscribeAudio is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | TranscribeAudio |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Real-time, live transcription of any browser tab's audio |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | Repositionable floating caption overlay that stays on screen while you work |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Tab-audio capture that works without joining meetings as a bot |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | OpenAI Whisper-based speech recognition across 50+ languages |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Compatibility with YouTube, Zoom, Google Meet, Vimeo, and any audio/video site |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Export of transcripts as TXT files for notes and sharing |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
TranscribeAudio
Choose TranscribeAudio if you need generating live captions and transcripts for zoom and google meet calls without a bot — strengths include captures meeting and video audio without a visible bot joining the call.
Aiko
TranscribeAudio
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while TranscribeAudio is strong for generating live captions and transcripts for zoom and google meet calls without a bot. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and TranscribeAudio is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.
You can — some teams pair them when each covers a different part of the meeting workflow.
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