Both record, transcribe and summarise meetings. The decision comes down to free-tier shape and where the notes need to go afterwards.
Short answer
Fireflies gives unlimited transcription on its free plan but caps team storage at 400 minutes; Otter gives 300 minutes a month with a cleaner archive. If notes must reach a CRM automatically, Fireflies. If a searchable personal archive is the point, Otter.
Side by side
| Feature | Otter.ai | Fireflies.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Teams that need a searchable record of every meeting | Sales and client teams who need meeting notes in the CRM |
| Pricing | Free 300 min/mo; Pro $16.99/mo ($8.33 annual); Business $30/mo ($19.99 annual) | Free plan; Pro $18/mo ($10 annual); Business $29/mo ($19 annual); Enterprise $39/seat annual |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | No |
| API | No | Yes |
| Automation | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Google Calendar, Slack | Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, Slack, CRM tools, API |
| Facts checked | 28 August 2026 | 28 August 2026 |
| Go to tool | Try tool | Try tool |
The free tiers are shaped differently
Otter’s free plan allows 300 transcription minutes a month, three lifetime file imports and 25 conversations of history. Fireflies’ free plan allows unlimited transcription and AI summaries but limits storage to 400 minutes per team and meters AI credits. Neither is enough for a team on back-to-back calls, but both are enough to find out whether the habit sticks.
Which to choose
Where it helps
- Choose Fireflies if notes must land in a CRM automatically
- Choose Fireflies if you want API access inside an automation
- Choose Otter if the searchable archive is the main value
- Choose Otter if most of your calls are on Zoom or Meet and you work alone
Where it does not
- Neither handles heavy crosstalk well
- Neither replaces a human minute-taker in a formal meeting
- Both raise the same consent questions
- Both meter something on the free tier
Frequently asked questions
Which is more accurate?
In normal conditions they are broadly comparable. Both degrade with crosstalk, strong accents and technical vocabulary. Test with a recording of your own meetings rather than trusting either vendor’s accuracy claim.
Can I use both?
You can, but two bots joining the same call is an unpleasant experience for everyone else. Pick one.