Natively and StenoAI are both AI meeting assistants for recording, transcription, and summaries, compared here on pricing, features, and workflow fit. Natively: A free, open-source desktop AI meeting assistant offering real-time transcription, structured notes, and on-call answers with local processing and bring-your-own-key support. 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 Natively when capturing real-time transcripts and structured notes from calls without a visible bot 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.
A free, open-source desktop AI meeting assistant offering real-time transcription, structured notes, and on-call answers with local processing and bring-your-own-key support.
Bring-your-own-key support for Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, and GroqFully local/offline option through Ollama with local data storage by defaultOn-demand AI assist via keyboard shortcut during 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
Natively 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.
Real-time transcription with a low-latency Rust-based audio pipeline
On-device transcription with Parakeet TDT v3 (Apple Silicon) or Whisper models
Standout feature
Structured, searchable meeting notes with action items and decisions
System audio and microphone capture via native Core Audio Tap (no bots)
Team usage
On-demand AI assist via keyboard shortcut during calls
Real-time on-screen speaker labels distinguishing you from others
Integrations
Bring-your-own-key support for Gemini, OpenAI, Claude, and Groq
Local LLM summaries through Ollama, with remote Ollama server support
Languages & capture
Fully local/offline option through Ollama with local data storage by default
25 European languages live, up to 99 languages via Whisper after recording
Best-fit workflow
Works alongside Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams without a visible bot
Markdown export of transcripts and summaries
Best for
Natively
Choose Natively if you need capturing real-time transcripts and structured notes from calls without a visible bot — strengths include free and open source with active development.
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
Natively
+ Free and open source with active development
+ Can run entirely offline and store data locally for privacy
- Cloud models require user-supplied API keys and incur external usage costs
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 Natively or StenoAI better for AI meeting notes?
It depends on your workflow. Natively is strong for capturing real-time transcripts and structured notes from calls without a visible bot, while StenoAI is strong for capturing and summarizing confidential meetings without sending audio to the cloud. Both transcribe and summarize meetings.
How do Natively and StenoAI compare on price?
Natively 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 Natively and StenoAI?
Yes. Many teams run more than one meeting assistant when the workflows are complementary and the budget is justified.