Comparison · Speech-to-text and transcription software
AssemblyAI vs Otter: which is better in 2026?
Otter ranks higher in our list of speech-to-text and transcription software (#3 against #4, score 86.5 against 81.0).
Choose AssemblyAI if you want
Developers adding transcription to a product.
A speech API with per-hour pricing by model, speaker diarization and a medical mode. It has no end-user app, so it fits developers who build transcription into products.
Choose Otter if you want
Automatic notes for meetings.
Meeting-focused transcription with a free Basic plan, iOS and Android apps and a Chrome extension. The free plan is capped, and the product is aimed at meetings more than general dictation.
The main differences
- Only Otter runs on iOS.
- Only Otter runs on Android.
- Otter can be used for free; AssemblyAI requires payment.
Side by side
 AssemblyAI |  Otter | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 81.0 | 86.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 6 | #3 of 6 |
| Price | Pay as you goPay as you go per hour of audio by model; the API can be tried for free | Free plan, paid upgradesBasic free forever; Pro from $8.33 per user a month; Business from $19.99 |
| Free to use | No | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebiOSAndroidBrowser extensionWeb, iOS, Android, Browser extension |
| Made by | Not stated | Otter.ai |
| Best use | Speech-to-text API | Meeting transcripts and notes |
| Offline recognition | Not listed | Not listed |
| Speaker labels | Yes, speaker diarization | Not listed |
| Real-time output | Not listed | Not listed |
| Best for | Developers adding transcription to a product | Automatic notes for meetings |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about AssemblyAI vs Otter
- Is Otter better than AssemblyAI?
- Otter ranks higher in our list of speech-to-text and transcription software (#3 against #4, score 86.5 against 81.0). AssemblyAI is best for: developers adding transcription to a product. Otter is best for: automatic notes for meetings.
- Which is cheaper, AssemblyAI or Otter?
- AssemblyAI: Pay as you go per hour of audio by model; the API can be tried for free. Otter: Basic free forever; Pro from $8.33 per user a month; Business from $19.99.
- Do AssemblyAI and Otter run on the same platforms?
- AssemblyAI supports Web. Otter supports Web, iOS, Android, Browser extension.