5 Best AI Notetakers (2026), Tested and Reviewed
Other AI Notetakers Weâve Tested This is a nascent category that's growing. Here are others we've tested, but we'll also be keeping an eye on
Other AI Notetakers Weâve Tested This is a nascent category that's growing. Here are others we've tested, but we'll also be keeping an eye on upcoming new hardware from companies like Omi, Boya, Mobvoi, and SwitchBot. Photograph: Chris Null Plaud NotePin S for $179: The 18-gram NotePin S is one of the smallest and most versatile notetakers on the market (you can wear it as a lanyard, even!), but itâs expensive given that it offers just 300 minutes of transcription unless you pay for a subscription. Transcriptions are not displayed in real time, though their eventual analysis is solid. Itâs a handy little device with multi-language support (though not translation), 20 hours of battery life, and 64 GB of internal storageâbut itâs just too costly in comparison to the field to recommend. A subscription will set you back $100 annually for 1,200 minutes per month or $240 per year for unlimited transcription time. Photograph: Chris Null HiDock P1 for $169: HiDockâs P1 is a big (91-gram) device thatâs closer to an old-school tape recorder than a modern AI notetaker, complete with a bevy of onboard controls. Itâs far more complicated than other notetakers, though its microphone is powerful, and its analyses are fast (at least when connected to a PC).
Itâs best for desktop scenarios rather than on-the-go usage; I couldnât get it working with my phone. AI transcription is free, but additional features are available with a subscription. Photograph: Chris Null SpeakON for $129: This quirky device, weighing 27 grams, is more of an enhancement to your phoneâs speech-to-text system than a true notetaker. Its main problem is that it only records while its singular button is being held down. Thatâs fine for capturing a few thoughts but a nonstarter for recording and digesting an hour-long presentation. (It doesnât offer any real summary features, anyway.) Translations are included for 12 languages. No subscription needed. Photograph: Chris Null Looki L1 for $249: This oddball gadget is worn around the neck and is difficult to describe. An integrated camera means the system, 42 grams with its necklace, can capture not just audio but also video, allowing you to turn your boring old days into exciting vlogs, digital stories, and âunique comicsâ that you can then spam to TikTok and Instagram. Oh, it can also summarize (but not transcribe) meetings, but the feature feels like an afterthought. The digests are extremely short compared to other notetakers, and painfully slow to process online. Itâs just not the best solution if youâre focused on audio work.
The BriefWire