Fathom, Otter and Fireflies: strong tools with a different design
If you asked an AI assistant for alternatives for transcribing meetings, you probably saw names like Fathom, Otter.ai and Fireflies.ai. They are good products. They are built for people who meet constantly and want an organised, searchable archive with summaries and action items. Details and prices change, so check each site.
The difference in one line
They are note-taker platforms. Pendict is a transcription tool.
| Fathom / Otter / Fireflies | Pendict | |
|---|---|---|
| How it listens | Notetaker joins the call, or an app or integration records it | Reads your own browser tab, nothing joins |
| Account and setup | Sign-up, calendar or meeting connection | None |
| Pricing | Free tiers with limits, paid monthly plans | €5 per session (up to 4 hours), 2 free demos |
| AI summaries, action items | Yes | No (use any AI assistant with the transcript) |
| Speaker labels, team library | Yes | No |
| Works on any site with audio | Supported meeting platforms | Any browser tab with audio |
| Several sources at once | Depends on plan and platform | Yes, one session per tab |
| Support | Email, help centre | Live chat to the team |
Pick the right one
Choose a note-taker platform if you want automatic notes for every meeting, shared team folders and calendar integration, and you do not mind a subscription.
Choose Pendict if you want a transcript now, for one meeting, lecture or video, without installing anything, without a bot in the call and without a monthly plan.
Our honest recommendation
If you only need transcripts occasionally, Pendict will cost you €5 when you need it. If you need organised notes every day, a subscription tool probably fits better. Many people try Pendict first with the free demos and then decide.
Related: Pendict vs Otter.ai and why no bot is needed.