HeyMarvin and StenoAI are both AI meeting assistants for recording, transcription, and summaries, compared here on pricing, features, and workflow fit. HeyMarvin: AI research assistant that records and transcribes user-research interviews and builds a searchable insights repository. StenoAI: Open-source desktop app that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings entirely on-device with no bots, subscriptions, or cloud processing. They overlap on ai-meeting-assistants, so the right pick depends on team size, budget, and which meeting workflows you automate.
For ai-meeting-assistants workflows, shortlist HeyMarvin when ux researchers transcribing and tagging user-interview calls matters most, and StenoAI when capturing and summarizing confidential meetings without sending audio to the cloud matters most. Both record across Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams; trial each on real meetings before committing.
AI research assistant that records and transcribes user-research interviews and builds a searchable insights repository.
AI thematic analysis that clusters feedback into themes and patternsAsk AI querying across research data with citations to source clipsRecords and automatically transcribes user-research interview calls
Open-source desktop app that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings entirely on-device with no bots, subscriptions, or cloud processing.
25 European languages live, up to 99 languages via Whisper after recordingLocal LLM summaries through Ollama, with remote Ollama server supportMarkdown export of transcripts and summaries
HeyMarvin is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium); StenoAI is a free tier with paid upgrades (freemium). Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site before buying.
Records and automatically transcribes user-research interview calls
On-device transcription with Parakeet TDT v3 (Apple Silicon) or Whisper models
Standout feature
Time-stamped notes and collaborative live note-taking during sessions
System audio and microphone capture via native Core Audio Tap (no bots)
Team usage
AI thematic analysis that clusters feedback into themes and patterns
Real-time on-screen speaker labels distinguishing you from others
Integrations
Ask AI querying across research data with citations to source clips
Local LLM summaries through Ollama, with remote Ollama server support
Languages & capture
Searchable centralized research repository combining many data sources
25 European languages live, up to 99 languages via Whisper after recording
Best-fit workflow
Video clips, highlight reels, and insight reports for sharing findings
Markdown export of transcripts and summaries
Best for
HeyMarvin
Choose HeyMarvin if you need ux researchers transcribing and tagging user-interview calls — strengths include tailored to user-research interviews rather than generic meeting notes.
StenoAI
Choose StenoAI if you need capturing and summarizing confidential meetings without sending audio to the cloud — strengths include fully local, bot-free capture with no cloud processing or subscriptions for core use.
Pros & cons
HeyMarvin
+ Tailored to user-research interviews rather than generic meeting notes
+ Combines capture, AI analysis, and a repository in one workflow
- Oriented to research teams, so less relevant for everyday internal meetings
StenoAI
+ Fully local, bot-free capture with no cloud processing or subscriptions for core use
+ MIT-licensed and open source, with active 2026 releases
- Primary support is macOS on Apple Silicon; Windows build is alpha and Intel Mac support ended at v0.3.8
FAQ
Is HeyMarvin or StenoAI better for AI meeting notes?
It depends on your workflow. HeyMarvin is strong for ux researchers transcribing and tagging user-interview calls, while StenoAI is strong for capturing and summarizing confidential meetings without sending audio to the cloud. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
How do HeyMarvin and StenoAI compare on price?
HeyMarvin is a free tier with paid upgrades and StenoAI 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 HeyMarvin and StenoAI?
Yes. Many teams run more than one meeting assistant when the workflows are complementary and the budget is justified.