Alter: macOS-native AI meeting assistant that records and transcribes calls locally with built-in Whisper and Parakeet models, no bots required. Sonnet AI: Bot-free AI meeting assistant that records device audio, transcribes, and generates structured notes and action items across major conferencing apps. Here's where each one pulls ahead on pricing, features, and the meetings it suits best.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Alter when freelancers and consultants privately capturing client calls without a visible bot matters most, and Sonnet AI when recruiters documenting candidate interviews with structured templates matters most. Test each on your own meetings; the right choice tends to become obvious quickly.
macOS-native AI meeting assistant that records and transcribes calls locally with built-in Whisper and Parakeet models, no bots required.
Bot-free AI meeting assistant that records device audio, transcribes, and generates structured notes and action items across major conferencing apps.
Alter is a native macOS application that records, transcribes, and analyzes meetings directly on the user's Mac without sending a bot into the call. Instead of joining a meeting as a visible participant, Alter captures audio from the system output and microphone, so it works across Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Discord, and in-person conversations. Transcription runs through on-device models, with a choice of an optimized Parakeet model for major languages or Whisper for broader language coverage, and speaker identification is performed locally. Because processing happens on the device, recordings and transcripts stay on the Mac and the app can operate without an internet connection. Beyond raw transcripts, Alter generates summaries and action items, lets users chat with their meetings, and connects to tools such as Notion, Slack, Linear, Asana, and Jira. It targets solopreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and other professionals who want private, bot-free meeting capture on macOS. The product is actively developed and operating in 2025 and 2026. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Sonnet AI is an end-to-end AI meeting assistant and notetaker that captures conversations without sending a separate bot into the call. Instead of joining as a visible participant, it records high-quality audio directly from the user's device, which lets it work across Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Slack and Discord without per-platform integrations or plug-ins. Once a meeting ends, Sonnet produces a transcript and a structured set of notes, pulls out action items with potential assignees and deadlines, and stores everything in a searchable conversation database so users can revisit past discussions. It offers a template gallery aimed at specific contexts such as sales, recruiting, legal and medical meetings, along with customizable note layouts that support elements like tables and concept maps. Additional features include meeting reminders and preparation tools, participant relationship tracking, and the ability to keep CRM records updated from meeting content. It is designed for professionals and teams who want hands-free note capture and reliable post-meeting follow-up without disrupting the flow of a live conversation. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
Alter is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); Sonnet AI is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Alter | Sonnet AI |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | On-device transcription using built-in Whisper and Parakeet models | Bot-free recording that captures device audio without joining the call as a participant |
| Standout feature | Bot-free capture of system audio and microphone across any meeting or call app | Automatic transcription with AI-generated structured notes |
| Team usage | Automatic speaker identification performed locally | Action item extraction with assignees and deadlines |
| Integrations | AI summaries, action items, and chat-with-your-meeting Q&A | Template gallery for sales, recruiting, legal, medical and other meeting types |
| Languages & capture | Integrations with Notion, Slack, Linear, Asana, Jira and other tools | Searchable database of past conversations |
| Best-fit workflow | Offline operation with recordings and transcripts stored locally | Works across Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Slack and Discord |
Alter
Choose Alter if you need freelancers and consultants privately capturing client calls without a visible bot — strengths include local processing keeps recordings and transcripts on the user's own mac.
Sonnet AI
Choose Sonnet AI if you need sales reps capturing call notes and follow-ups without a bot in the room — strengths include no visible bot joins the meeting, which can feel less intrusive to participants.
Alter
Sonnet AI
It depends on your workflow. Alter is strong for freelancers and consultants privately capturing client calls without a visible bot, while Sonnet AI is strong for sales reps capturing call notes and follow-ups without a bot in the room. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Alter is a free tier with paid upgrades and Sonnet AI 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.
More head-to-head comparisons involving Alter and Sonnet AI.
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