What is Otter.ai?
Otter.ai is an AI meeting assistant that transcribes conversations as they happen and produces summaries, action items and searchable notes. Its maker calls it an AI notetaker and knowledge engine.
It works by joining your Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams calls, or by recording through its desktop and mobile apps. Speech becomes a live transcript with speaker labels, and afterwards you can read the summary or ask Otter AI Chat questions across past meetings.
Key Features
- Live transcription: Text appears during meetings with speaker recognition.
- Automated summaries: Key points and action items after each call.
- Otter AI Chat: Ask questions across meetings and connected apps.
- Desktop app: Bot-free recording on Mac or Windows.
- File imports: Upload audio or video for transcription.
- Specialised agents: Versions for sales, recruiting, education and media.
Pros
- Usable free plan: 300 minutes a month at no cost.
- Real-time notes: Follow along while the meeting runs.
- Wide integrations: Works with major meeting, CRM and chat tools.
- Low annual price: Pro drops to $8.33 a month billed yearly.
Cons
- Minute caps: Free and Pro limit monthly minutes and call length.
- Consent concerns: A US class action alleges recording without consent.
- Few languages: Reviewers report only English, Spanish and French.
- Import limits: Three lifetime file imports on the free plan.
Who is Using Otter.ai?
- Business teams: Share meeting notes and follow-ups.
- Sales teams: Send call notes to Salesforce or HubSpot.
- Students and lecturers: Capture lectures as text.
- Journalists and recruiters: Transcribe interviews.
Pricing
Otter.ai has a free Basic plan, and paid plans start at $16.99 per user per month, or $8.33 billed annually (official prices, October 2026).
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $0 | 300 minutes a month, 30 minutes per conversation, 3 lifetime file imports |
| Pro | $16.99 / user / month, or $8.33 billed annually | 1,200 minutes a month, 90 minutes per conversation, 10 file imports a month |
| Business | $30 / user / month, or $19.99 billed annually | Unlimited meetings, 4 hours per conversation, 3 concurrent meetings, admin features |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO, SCIM, API and webhooks, HIPAA add-on |
Disclaimer: Pricing can change. Check the official Otter.ai website.
What Makes Otter.ai Unique?
Otter.ai stands out for live transcription that people can read during the call, not only afterwards. Its searchable archive also grows more useful as meetings accumulate.
Compatibilities and Integrations
- Meetings: Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
- Apps: Web, Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.
- Business tools: Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Notion, Jira, Dropbox and Zapier.
- Developers: MCP server on all plans; API and webhooks on Enterprise.
Otter.ai Tutorials
You can learn how to use Otter.ai in a few minutes:
- Create an account at otter.ai and connect your calendar.
- Choose which meetings the notetaker should join.
- Tell participants that the call is being recorded.
- Read the summary afterwards and ask Otter AI Chat for follow-ups.
How We Rated It
| Criterion | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy and Reliability | 4.1/5 | Good in clear audio |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | Joins calls automatically |
| Functionality and Features | 4.4/5 | Notes, chat, agents |
| Performance and Speed | 4.4/5 | Live transcription |
| Customization and Flexibility | 4.0/5 | Custom AI workflows |
| Data Privacy and Security | 3.7/5 | Consent lawsuit pending |
| Support and Resources | 4.0/5 | Priority on Business |
| Cost-Efficiency | 4.1/5 | Capped free minutes |
| Integration Capabilities | 4.4/5 | CRM and chat apps |
| Overall Score | 4.2/5 | Average of the nine criteria |
Summary
Otter.ai is a dependable choice for live transcripts and shared meeting notes, mainly in English. The free plan suits occasional calls, while regular users will need Pro or Business. Always get consent before recording, and review the auto-join settings so it only attends meetings you choose.
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