Basil AI: On-device AI note taker for Apple devices that transcribes and summarizes meetings entirely offline, with no cloud upload. TongueType: TongueType is a privacy-focused macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text on-device using a local Whisper AI model. Here's where each one pulls ahead on pricing, features, and the meetings it suits best.
How Hosiqo compares and tests toolsFinal recommendation
Shortlist Basil AI when transcribing confidential client meetings where data must stay on-device matters most, and TongueType when transcribing recorded audio or video files locally, such as meeting or interview recordings matters most. Trial each on a few real meetings before you commit — the better fit usually shows fast.
On-device AI note taker for Apple devices that transcribes and summarizes meetings entirely offline, with no cloud upload.
TongueType is a privacy-focused macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text on-device using a local Whisper AI model.
Basil AI (Basil Private AI Note Taker) is a privacy-first AI transcription and note-taking application that processes all audio locally on Apple devices using Apple's on-device speech and machine-learning frameworks. Because recordings, transcripts, and summaries never leave the device and no cloud servers are involved, Basil is positioned for privacy-conscious professionals handling sensitive conversations, including lawyers conducting client meetings and other client-services practitioners where confidentiality matters. The app records live meetings and can also process uploaded audio and DRM-free video files, then generates transcripts with speaker diarization plus AI summaries and key takeaways. It supports a large set of languages and can work offline, including in airplane mode. Outputs can be exported to formats such as text, PDF, CSV, and JSON, and integrated with Apple's ecosystem (Apple Notes, iCloud Drive, Files). Basil is distributed on the Apple App Store by TONSOR LLC and is available as a universal app across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision, with recent iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS versions required. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.
Best suited for
TongueType is a voice dictation application for macOS that converts speech to text entirely on-device using a locally-run Whisper AI model, so audio never leaves the Mac. It lives in the menu bar with no dock icon, and works as a press-to-talk input method: the user holds a configurable hotkey (or uses a double-tap latch), speaks, and the transcribed text is inserted at the cursor in any application that accepts text input. Beyond live dictation, it can transcribe audio and video files (such as WAV, MP3, MP4, and MOV). It supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, with automatic language detection, plus customizable post-processing rules, overlay appearance, and microphone options. Preferences can sync across Macs via iCloud. It requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon (M1 or later). The app is aimed at people who want faster text entry than typing, professionals needing quick transcription, and users with typing difficulties (arthritis, RSI, tremor, and similar accessibility needs).
Best suited for
Basil AI is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); TongueType is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
| Feature | Basil AI | TongueType |
|---|---|---|
| Core capability | 100% on-device transcription with no cloud upload | On-device speech-to-text using a local Whisper AI model (no cloud) |
| Standout feature | Speaker diarization to separate participants automatically | Press-to-talk hotkey dictation with double-tap latch, inserting text at the cursor in any app |
| Team usage | AI-generated summaries, minutes, and key takeaways | Audio and video file transcription (WAV, MP3, MP4, MOV) |
| Integrations | Support for recording live meetings and uploading audio/video files | Multi-language support with automatic language detection (English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and more) |
| Languages & capture | Multi-language support and offline (airplane-mode) operation | Customizable post-processing rules, overlay appearance, and microphone options |
| Best-fit workflow | Export to text, PDF, CSV, and JSON, plus Apple Notes/iCloud/Files | iCloud sync of preferences across multiple Macs |
Basil AI
Choose Basil AI if you need transcribing confidential client meetings where data must stay on-device — strengths include strong privacy posture since data never leaves the device.
TongueType
Choose TongueType if you need dictating text into any macos application instead of typing — strengths include fully on-device processing with no servers or accounts, strong for privacy.
Basil AI
TongueType
It depends on your workflow. Basil AI is strong for transcribing confidential client meetings where data must stay on-device, while TongueType is strong for dictating text into any macos application instead of typing. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
Basil AI is a free tier with paid upgrades and TongueType 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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