Aura Meet vs Otter.ai
Both transcribe meetings — but Aura Meet keeps your audio on your device, while Otter.ai uploads everything to their cloud.
The privacy difference
Otter.ai records and uploads your meeting audio to remote servers for processing. Aura Meet transcribes entirely on-device — your audio never leaves your phone. For healthcare, legal, and finance professionals, this isn't a feature — it's a requirement.
| Feature | Aura Meet | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| On-device transcription | ||
| Zero audio to server | ||
| Works offline | ||
| No bot joins your meeting | ||
| BIPA/privacy lawsuit risk | ||
| AI-powered summaries | ||
| Action item detection | ||
| Real-time AI insights | ||
| 99 languages | ||
| PDF executive reports | ||
| iOS + Android native | ||
| Free tier included | ||
| Pro price | $9.99/mo | $29.99/mo |
No bot in your meeting
Otter.ai joins meetings as a visible bot participant — "Otter.ai Notetaker has joined". Other participants see it and may feel uncomfortable. Aura Meet records from your phone's microphone — completely invisible to others.
Privacy Shield: Why it matters legally
Cloud-based transcription tools like Otter.ai face increasing legal scrutiny. Companies using bots that record calls without all-party consent have faced BIPA (Biometric Information Privacy Act) lawsuits and regulatory action. Otter.ai uploads your audio to remote servers, where it's processed and stored — creating liability for your organization.
Aura Meet's Privacy Shield approach eliminates this risk entirely: transcription and AI processing happen on-device, no bot joins your call, and zero audio is ever uploaded. Learn more about our privacy architecture →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Otter.ai upload my audio?
Yes. Otter.ai uploads your meeting audio to their cloud servers for transcription and processing. Aura Meet processes everything on-device — your audio never leaves your phone.
Can I use Otter.ai offline?
No. Otter.ai requires an internet connection for transcription. Aura Meet works fully offline — transcription, AI summaries, and copilot all run on your device.
Does Otter.ai join my meeting as a bot?
Yes. Otter.ai sends a visible "Otter.ai Notetaker" bot into your meetings. Other participants can see it. Aura Meet records from your phone's microphone — invisible to everyone.
What's a cheaper alternative to Otter.ai?
Aura Meet Pro costs $9.99/month vs Otter.ai's $29.99/month — and includes on-device privacy, offline support, and 99 languages. Free tier includes 10 meetings per month.
Ready to try the private alternative?
Free to start. No credit card required. 10 meetings per month on the free plan.
Download Aura Meet — Free