Aiko: On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately. VidNotes: VidNotes is an AI tool that transcribes videos, meeting recordings, and lectures, then generates summaries, key points, flashcards, and a chat interface in 30+ languages. 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 VidNotes when professionals extracting action items and decisions from zoom, meet, or teams recordings matters most. Run both through a week of actual calls to see which suits your workflow.
On-device AI transcription app for Mac, iOS, and visionOS that converts lecture and meeting audio to text privately.
VidNotes is an AI tool that transcribes videos, meeting recordings, and lectures, then generates summaries, key points, flashcards, and a chat interface in 30+ 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
VidNotes is an AI-powered transcription and note-taking tool that turns videos, lectures, podcasts, and meeting recordings into structured, searchable text. Users either upload a local file (MP4, MOV, MKV, and more) or paste a link from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Vimeo, including exported recordings from Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and webinars. Under the hood it runs the audio through OpenAI's Whisper model for speech-to-text, then a large language model produces a summary, key points, timestamped notes, auto-generated flashcards, and extracted action items in the same language as the source. A chat feature lets users ask questions about the content and receive answers with citations, and transcripts and notes can be exported as TXT, PDF, Markdown, or SRT captions. It supports English plus 30+ additional languages and handles mixed languages and varied accents. Aimed at students, researchers, content creators, and professionals, VidNotes is available in the browser, as a Chrome extension, and as iOS and Android apps. The app is published by Silpho LLC.
Best suited for
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); VidNotes is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Aiko | VidNotes |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | Fully on-device transcription powered by a local Whisper model | Speech-to-text transcription via OpenAI's Whisper, with timestamps |
| Standout feature | Support for roughly 100 languages | AI summaries, key points, and extracted action items from meetings and videos |
| Team usage | Transcription of audio and video files in formats like m4a, wav, mp3, mp4, and mov | Auto-generated flashcards with spaced-repetition review |
| Integrations | Export to multiple formats including JSON, CSV, and SRT subtitles | Chat interface that answers questions about a video with citations |
| Languages & capture | Word-replacement feature to auto-correct common errors | Supports file uploads plus YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Vimeo, and meeting recordings (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) |
| Best-fit workflow | Apple Shortcuts integration and Universal Purchase across Mac, iOS, and visionOS | Export to TXT, PDF, Markdown, and SRT captions across web, Chrome extension, iOS, and Android |
Aiko
Choose Aiko if you need transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying — strengths include strong privacy because nothing leaves the device.
VidNotes
Choose VidNotes if you need students turning recorded lectures into summaries and flashcards for study — strengths include works across web, chrome extension, ios, and android, with no download required for browser use.
Aiko
VidNotes
It depends on your workflow. Aiko is strong for transcribing recorded lectures into searchable text for studying, while VidNotes is strong for students turning recorded lectures into summaries and flashcards for study. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Aiko is a free tier with paid upgrades and VidNotes 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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