Last updated: August 2026. Otter, Fireflies, and Fathom are the three AI notetakers most people compare — so we put them head-to-head across real meetings. If you just want the shortlist, see our best AI meeting assistants roundup; if you want the direct three-way, this is it. Some links are affiliate links; it never changes our picks — disclosure.
Scorecard
| Fathom | Fireflies | Otter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Unlimited recordings ✅ | Limited | 300 min/mo |
| Paid from | $16 mo | $18 user/mo | $8.33 user/mo |
| Best strength | Fast summaries, CRM | 50+ integrations | Searchable transcripts |
| Platforms | Zoom, Meet, Teams | Zoom, Meet, Teams, Webex | Zoom, Meet, Teams |
Round 1: Free tier — Fathom
No contest. Fathom’s free plan gives unlimited recordings and storage — genuinely generous, and enough that many users never upgrade. Otter caps you at 300 minutes/month; Fireflies’ free tier is tighter. If budget is the priority, Fathom wins before you even open the app.
Round 2: Integrations — Fireflies
Fireflies is the connector. With 50+ integrations and the widest platform support (it even covers Webex), it pipes meeting data straight into your CRM and project tools. If your meetings need to trigger things elsewhere automatically, Fireflies is the pick.
Round 3: Using the notes — Otter
Otter’s conversational search is the nicest way to actually use a transcript — ask “what did we decide about pricing?” instead of scrolling. At $8.33/user it’s also the cheapest paid tier, which makes it a favorite for individuals and students transcribing lectures.
The verdict
- Most people / best free: Fathom.
- You live in a CRM / need integrations: Fireflies.
- Searchable notes on a budget: Otter.
All three have free tiers — run one on your next three meetings and you’ll know within a week.
FAQs
Which is the best free AI meeting assistant?
Fathom — unlimited recordings on its free plan.
Which has the best integrations?
Fireflies, with 50+ and the widest platform coverage.
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