Granola's design choice separates it from nearly everything else here: no bot joins your meeting. It captures audio from your own machine, and rather than replacing your notes it augments them — you type sparse notes during the call, and afterwards Granola fills them out using the transcript. The result reads like notes you wrote, not a generic AI summary. It started Mac-only; there's now a Windows app and, since 2026, an iOS app that also transcribes phone calls.
At a glance
Platforms
macOS, Windows, iOS
Pricing
Basic free; Business $14/user/month; Enterprise $35/user/month
Free tier
Unlimited meetings, limited history (reported as 25 notes or 30 days depending on source)
Nothing announces itself in the meeting. No "Otter.ai has joined" moment, no awkward explanation to a client, and nothing for IT to block. It also sidesteps the specific consent mechanism at the centre of the Otter.ai litigation — although your obligation to tell participants you're recording is unchanged.
It augments your notes rather than replacing them. You stay engaged and write what matters; Granola fills in what you missed. The output reads like yours because it started as yours.
It works on any audio. In-person meetings, phone calls, a webinar — anything your machine can hear, not just supported video platforms.
2026 pricing got cheaper. The old $18/month Pro and Individual plans were consolidated into Business at $14/user/month.
iOS captures phone calls. Added in 2026, and unusual.
Where it falls short
The free tier's history cap is reported inconsistently. Sources say 25 notes total, or 30 days. Either way it's a limit on looking back, not on recording. Confirm the current terms.
Opting out of model training is an Enterprise feature. At $35/user/month. On Basic and Business, check the current data-use terms and decide whether you're comfortable.
Capturing device audio is quieter, not more consensual. Because nothing visibly joins, participants are less likely to realise they're being recorded. In a two-party-consent jurisdiction that makes disclosure more important, not less.
No Android. Mac, Windows, and iPhone only.
It expects you to take notes. The augmentation model works best if you write something. If you want to record and read a summary later without participating, a conventional notetaker fits better.
Pricing
Basic is free with unlimited meetings and limited history. Business is $14/user/month with unlimited meetings, full history, and integrations. Enterprise is $35/user/month adding SSO, security controls, and the ability to opt out of model training.
Who it's for
People in client-facing or sensitive meetings where a visible bot would be unwelcome, and note-takers who want their own notes improved rather than replaced. It's the most thoughtfully designed product in this category. If you want a passive recorder that does the work while you don't, Fathom is free and better suited.
Last verified: 10 August 2026. Free-tier history limits are reported inconsistently; verify with the vendor.
Similar to Granola
Granola: No bot joins your call — it listens from your machine instead – Dictation Database
Unlimited transcription on every tier, with AI metered by credits
Meeting Transcription
Meeting recorder with unlimited transcription and AI summaries on all plans, including free. Pro is $10/seat/month annually; AI features run on a credit system.
