Is Descript or Meetingnotes better for AI meeting notes?

It depends on your workflow. Descript is strong for editing podcasts and videos by editing the transcript, while Meetingnotes is strong for engineers wanting a free, transparent meeting notetaker. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.

How do Descript and Meetingnotes compare on price?

Descript is a free tier with paid upgrades and Meetingnotes is a free tier with paid upgrades. Check each vendor's pricing page for the latest plans and free-tier limits.

Can I use both Descript and Meetingnotes?

Yes. Many teams run more than one meeting assistant when the workflows are complementary.

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Descript vs Meetingnotes

Descript: Video/podcast editor with transcription and meeting recording Meetingnotes: Free, open-source macOS AI notetaker that records mic and system audio locally, transcribes, and summarizes meetings using your own OpenAI API key. Here's where each one pulls ahead on pricing, features, and the meetings it suits best.

How Hosiqo compares and tests tools

Final recommendation

Shortlist Descript when editing podcasts and videos by editing the transcript matters most, and Meetingnotes when individuals who prefer paying per-use api costs over subscriptions matters most. Try them side by side on real calls before deciding — needs vary by team.

Descript

CustomAI Meeting Assistants

Video/podcast editor with transcription and meeting recording

Automatic transcription of imported or recorded audio and videoMultitrack audio and video editingOne-click caption and subtitle generation

Details Visit

Meetingnotes

CustomAI Meeting Assistants

Free, open-source macOS AI notetaker that records mic and system audio locally, transcribes, and summarizes meetings using your own OpenAI API key.

Bring-your-own OpenAI API key cost model

About Descript

Descript is an audio and video editing platform built around text-based editing, where the spoken content of a recording is automatically transcribed and the resulting transcript becomes the primary way to edit the media. When users import or record audio and video, Descript generates a transcript that they can read, search, and edit, with changes to the text reflected in the underlying recording. The platform also offers one-click caption and subtitle generation so the transcribed words can be displayed on screen and styled to match a project. In addition to transcription and captions, Descript provides features for podcast and video production, including multitrack editing, screen recording, and AI-assisted tools. Because editing the transcript edits the media, it is especially useful for podcasters, video creators, and teams who want to cut filler, rearrange segments, or repurpose content without working frame by frame. Descript is aimed at content creators, marketers, educators, and teams who want transcription, captions, and editing combined in a single workflow. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.

Best suited for

Editing podcasts and videos by editing the transcript
Generating captions and subtitles for published content
Producing searchable transcripts from recorded sessions

About Meetingnotes

Meetingnotes is a free, open-source AI meeting notetaker for macOS created and maintained by developer Owen Gretzinger. It is designed for professionals who want private meeting notes without recurring subscription costs. The app captures both microphone and system audio directly on the user's Mac, so it works across any meeting platform without adding a bot to the call. It then provides a live transcript and generates AI-enhanced summaries that combine the transcript with any manual notes the user takes during the meeting. Transcription and summarization run through the user's own OpenAI API key, meaning users pay only for the API usage they consume rather than a flat subscription, and meeting data stays stored locally on the device. The source code is published on GitHub under the LGPL-3.0 license, so it can be inspected, modified, and contributed to. The project lists integrations such as Slack and Notion, with additional features in development. Meetingnotes is best for engineers and individuals who want a lightweight, transparent, bring-your-own-key meeting notetaker that keeps their data on their own machine. Pricing varies by plan. Check the official website for current pricing.

Best suited for

Engineers wanting a free, transparent meeting notetaker
Individuals who prefer paying per-use API costs over subscriptions
Mac users needing bot-free notes across multiple meeting apps

Feature	Descript	Meetingnotes
Core capability	Automatic transcription of imported or recorded audio and video	Captures both microphone and system audio on macOS
Standout feature	Text-based editing where editing the transcript edits the media	No meeting bot required to join calls
Team usage	One-click caption and subtitle generation	Live transcription plus AI-generated summaries
Integrations	Multitrack audio and video editing	Bring-your-own OpenAI API key cost model
Languages & capture	Screen and audio recording built in	Local storage of meeting data
Best-fit workflow	Automatic transcription of imported or recorded audio and video	Open-source codebase on GitHub (LGPL-3.0)

Descript vs Meetingnotes

About Descript

About Meetingnotes

Pricing comparison

Feature table

Best for

Pros & cons

FAQ

Is Descript or Meetingnotes better for AI meeting notes?

How do Descript and Meetingnotes compare on price?

Can I use both Descript and Meetingnotes?

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