Which AI Note-Taking App Is Right for You? Otter vs. Fathom vs. Fireflies
If you spend hours on client calls, team meetings, or webinars, you know the struggle: frantically taking notes while trying to stay present. Enter AI note-taking apps—your always-on meeting assistant.
They transcribe, summarize, and organize conversations so you can focus on connecting. But with so many options, how do you choose? Let’s break down three of the most popular: Otter, Fathom, and Fireflies.
Otter.ai – Best for Everyday Meeting Notes
Pros:
Real-time transcription during meetings.
Speaker identification for clarity.
Searchable notes with highlighted keywords.
Integrates with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
Cons:
Summaries can feel basic.
Limited integrations beyond meetings.
Fathom – Best for Coaches and Consultants
Pros:
Creates call highlights and summaries automatically.
Integrates directly with Zoom (no separate app needed).
Easily share key moments with clients or team members.
Free for unlimited Zoom calls (rare!).
Cons:
Only works with Zoom.
Less robust for non-call workflows.
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Fireflies.ai – Best for Teams and Workflows
Pros:
Works across Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, Webex, and more.
Powerful search across all past calls.
Summaries, action items, and integration with CRMs (HubSpot, Salesforce, Notion).
Collaboration features for team note-sharing.
Cons:
Can feel overwhelming for solo users.
Accuracy may vary on noisy calls.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Comparison of AI note-taking apps: Otter.ai, Fathom, Fireflies.ai
| Feature | Otter.ai | Fathom | Fireflies.ai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday transcripts | Coaches & consultants | Teams & workflows |
| Integrations | Zoom, Meet, Teams | Zoom only | Zoom, Meet, Teams, Webex, + CRM tools |
| Summaries | Basic | Highlights & summaries | Summaries + action items |
| Pricing | Free + paid tiers | Free (Zoom only) | Free + paid tiers |
| Standout Feature | Keyword search in transcripts | Shareable call highlights | CRM + workflow integrations |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Otter if you want a simple, reliable transcription tool.
Choose Fathom if you’re a coach or consultant running mostly Zoom calls.
Choose Fireflies if you need team-wide workflows and CRM connections.
Pro tip: Many entrepreneurs test two side-by-side for a month and then commit.
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