Guide
Best AI meeting note takers
AI note takers join your calls, record and transcribe them, and write a summary with action items, so you can focus on the conversation. They are not all the same. This guide shows what each popular tool does best. Last updated October 25, 2026.
The quick answer
- Fireflies: best for teams that want meeting notes to flow into their other tools.
- tl;dv: best for sharing video clips of key moments.
- Notta: best for multilingual and bilingual meetings.
- Otter: best for real-time transcription as the meeting happens.
The tools at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Fireflies | Teams and sales workflows | Free plan has limited AI summaries and storage |
| tl;dv | Video highlights and async sharing | Free plan keeps recordings for a limited time |
| Notta | Multilingual meetings and translation | Free plan has small monthly limits |
| Otter | Live transcription and searchable notes | Free plan limits have tightened over time |
Plans and limits change often, so confirm current details on each official website before you choose.
Fireflies
Fireflies records and transcribes meetings, then sends notes and action items into the tools your team already uses. It supports many languages and is popular with teams that run a lot of calls. Its free plan lets you try transcription, with limits on AI summaries and storage.
tl;dv
tl;dv is built around video. You can mark highlights and share short clips of the key moments instead of sending a long recording. It works with Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Check how long recordings are kept on the free plan, since older ones may be removed after a few months.
Notta
Notta is a good fit when your meetings mix languages or happen in a language other than English. It focuses on accurate transcription and translation. The free plan has small monthly limits, so it works best as a trial.
Otter
Otter is one of the original AI note takers. Its strength is real-time transcription, so you can follow along and search the notes afterward. It is also useful for in-person conversations and lectures. Free plan limits have changed over time, so check the current allowance.
What to check before you choose
- Your meeting platform: confirm it works with Zoom, Google Meet or Teams, whichever you use.
- Free plan limits: minutes, storage and AI summaries differ a lot between tools.
- Privacy and consent: tell participants that the call is being recorded, and check the company’s data policy.
- Languages: if you meet in more than one language, test accuracy in each.
- Integrations: make sure notes can reach the tools you use, such as Slack or a CRM.
Frequently asked questions
Do AI note takers join as a visible participant?
Many send a bot that appears in the call, so everyone can see it. Some tools capture audio in other ways. Always let people know the meeting is being recorded.
Are the summaries always accurate?
They are a strong first draft, but quality depends on audio clarity and accents. Skim the notes before you share them.
Can I use one for free?
Most have a free plan, with limits on minutes, storage or AI features. They work well for trying a tool before you pay.
Are there other good options?
Yes. Tools such as Fathom are also popular, and the best choice depends on your meetings. See our AI Meeting Notes top 5 for the full list.
The bottom line
Pick the tool that matches how you work: integrations for teams, clips for sharing, languages for global meetings, or live transcripts for quick notes. See how we choose tools on our method page.