A free Otter.ai alternative for Mac
Otter.ai writes notes for meetings on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, and its desktop app can record with no bot. Tora also records on your Mac, and adds dictation, writing fixes, and call replies for $0.
Free. Apple silicon, macOS 26 or later.
Tora vs Otter.ai at a glance
| Tora | Otter.ai | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 for all four agents. Tora Cloud is an optional paid plan. | $16.99 a month per user (Pro). |
| Free plan | Free with no account, no trial, and no card. | Basic: 300 transcription minutes a month, up to 30 minutes per conversation, and 3 lifetime file imports. |
| Where it runs | Models run on your Mac. Tora Cloud, if you turn it on, uses Tora's servers and AI providers. | Not stated on its site |
| Platforms | Mac only: Apple silicon, macOS 26 or later. | Mac and Windows desktop, iOS, Android, and a Chrome extension. Joins Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet. |
| Bot in calls | No bot. Tora records your Mac's audio and your mic. | Its notetaker can join Zoom, MS Teams, and Google Meet. Its Mac and Windows desktop app records with no bot in the meeting. |
| Jobs it covers | All four: dictation, writing fixes, meeting notes, and replies during calls. | Meeting notes and chat about your conversations. |
Where Tora is different
Four jobs in one app
Along with meeting notes, Tora dictates in any app, fixes text you select, and shows replies in your notch during a call.
Free notes and search
Notes are free on your Mac, with search across every meeting you had.
Notes stay on your Mac
In the free plan the notes are stored on your Mac, and the models run there too. Tora Cloud adds answers across all your meetings.
When Otter.ai is the better pick
You need a bot to record for the whole team
Otter.ai's notetaker joins the call and shares the notes with attendees. Tora records only on your Mac.
You use Windows or a phone
Otter.ai lists apps for both. Tora is Mac only.
You want to import audio and video files
Otter.ai lists file imports on its plans.
Questions about Tora and Otter.ai
What is a free Otter.ai alternative for Mac?
Tora. It records your Mac's audio and your mic, with no bot in the call. It writes the summary, decisions, and next steps for free, and it also dictates and fixes your writing.
Does Tora work with Zoom, Teams, and Meet?
Yes. Tora records the audio your Mac plays, so it works with any call app.
Do the people in my call know I use Tora?
Tora does not show anyone a bot. Tell people when you record a call. The rules for consent depend on where you and they live.
Does Tora label speakers?
Yes. After the call, Tora marks who said what.
Facts about Otter.ai were read on its own website. Prices vary by region, and plans change. Otter.ai does more than this page lists. A fact is left out when its site does not state it.
Sources: otter.ai/pricing (read October 17, 2026); otter.ai/integrations/desktop (read October 17, 2026).
Otter.ai is a trademark of its owner. Tora is not affiliated with it.
Start with one key. Hold fnfn and talk.
Free · macOS 26 or later · Apple silicon