Spiik2
Granola
Bot-free device-audio capture that expands your typed notes. It deletes audio after transcription.
3
Notta
Offers a bot-free desktop recorder on Mac and Windows, as well as an optional meeting bot.
4
Fireflies
Mainly a bot-based product, but its Chrome extension can record without the bot.
Why go bot-free?
A note-taking bot is visible to everyone, can be blocked by the host, and can change how comfortable people feel talking. Capturing from your own device avoids all that. It doesn't remove your duty to be upfront, though: tell people you're recording, and follow your local consent rules.
See the steps in our guide to recording and transcribing calls on a Mac, or compare the best meeting recorder apps for Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get meeting notes without a bot joining?
Yes. Spiik on a Mac records your microphone and system audio together, with nothing added to the call. Granola and Notta's desktop app also work without a bot.
Will other people know if I record without a bot?
They won't see a bot, so you should tell them yourself. Many places legally require consent from everyone on a call.
Sources
Competitor facts come from the public pages below, checked on October 31, 2026. Prices are US prices, change often and can vary by country and offer. We compare price, limits, features and platforms rather than accuracy percentages, because we know of no independent test that covers these apps side by side. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected] and we will fix it.