Digital meeting notetakers such as Read AI, Fireflies.ai, Fathom, and Granola are popular for recording and transcribing online meetings. However, for in-person or more versatile needs, many opt for physical recording devices. These physical notetakers transcribe audio and provide users with summaries and action items using AI.
Some devices are wearable — as pins or pendants with mics — while others are credit card-sized and paired with mobile apps for transcription and insights via AI. Some even include live translation.
Here’s a list of physical AI notetakers and transcription tools.
Plaud Note/Plaud Note Pro
Introduced in 2023, the credit-card-sized Plaud Note has an AI-powered Pro version with a screen, four mics, and records audio within three to five-meter range. It can switch between in-person and call recordings.
The Plaud Note costs $159 and the Note Pro $179, both including 300 minutes of free monthly transcription.
Mobvoi TicNote
Priced at $159, Mobvoi’s rectangular notetaker offers 600 free transcription minutes, real-time transcription, and translation in over 120 languages. It records 25 hours continuously with three microphones.
Features include automatic highlight extraction, audio clip creation, and podcast version creation.
Comulytic Note Pro
Comulytic’s $159 Note Pro offers unlimited transcription without extra subscription cost. It records up to 45 hours per charge with 100+ days standby.
An advanced plan at $15/month or $119/year offers instant AI summaries, unlimited templates, an action item list, and AI assistant chat.
Plaud NotePin/Plaud NotePin S
The Plaud NotePin and NotePin S are compact versions of Plaud’s larger devices. They can be worn as accessories and include two mics, recording 20 hours continuously per charge. The NotePin S has a physical button for recording and highlights.
The NotePin costs $159, and the NotePin S $179.
Omi Pendant
The $89 Omi pendant connects to your phone with no onboard memory and runs 10 to 14 hours on a charge. It has two mics and can be used with various apps due to open-sourced hardware and software.
Viaim RecDot
Viaim’s $200 earbuds transcribe calls and record with their case, supporting transcription in 78 languages. The app highlights transcription key points.
Anker Soundcore Work
Anker’s $159 Soundcore Work pin records eight hours or up to 32 with its case. It offers a five-meter recording range and 300 free transcription minutes monthly.
The puck-shaped Pocket attaches to phones, priced at $199, often discounted. Its core features include transcription without needing a subscription and support for 120+ languages.
Pocket weighs 52 grams, offers 64GB storage, and lasts four days per charge. The two mics can record within 15 meters.
A $19.99/month subscription provides unlimited cloud storage, 100+ summary templates, AI speaker labels, and home screen widgets.