Granola vs Otter.ai: Which Meeting Notes App Is Better in 2026?
Looking for a meeting notes app but can't decide between Granola and Otter.ai? They solve the same problem in fundamentally different ways.
Here's the real comparison.
Quick Answer
Granola is better for most users. It captures meetings without a bot joining your call, which means participants behave naturally. Otter's visible bot changes the meeting dynamic.
Try Granola FreeThe Core Difference
Granola: Device Audio Capture
- Captures audio from your device's microphone
- No one knows it's running
- Works on any platform (Zoom, Teams, Meet, phone calls)
- Participants speak naturally
Otter.ai: Bot Joins Meeting
- A visible "Otter.ai" bot joins your call
- Announces recording to all participants
- Can be blocked by meeting hosts
- Changes how people speak
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Granola | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Visible to participants | No | Yes (bot joins) |
| Works on any platform | Yes | Most, but can be blocked |
| In-person meetings | Yes (mobile app) | No |
| Free tier | Trial | Yes, limited |
| Action item extraction | Automatic | Manual |
| Participant comfort | High | Lower |
| Enterprise compliance | Good | Good |
When Otter's Bot Is a Problem
Scenario 1: Client Call You: "Hi Sarah, thanks for joining." Otter: "Otter.ai Bot has joined the meeting." Sarah: "Oh... are you recording this?"
The conversation shifts. Sarah becomes more guarded. You spend 2 minutes explaining instead of building rapport.
Scenario 2: Sales Call Prospect sees "Otter.ai is recording" and wonders what you'll do with it. Trust takes a hit.
Scenario 3: Sensitive Internal Discussion Team members notice the bot. The frank conversation you needed becomes more political.
When Otter Makes Sense
- Internal team meetings where recording is expected
- Organizations that require visible recording for compliance
- Users who need a free tier for occasional use
- Teams already using Otter with established workflows
Granola Advantages
1. Natural Conversation
When participants don't see recording, they speak naturally. You get:
- More honest feedback
- Less guarded client conversations
- Better meeting dynamics
2. Universal Platform Support
Works on Zoom, Teams, Meet, WebEx, phone calls—anything your device can hear. Otter bots can be blocked on some platforms.
3. In-Person Meetings
Granola's mobile app captures in-person meetings. Otter is video calls only.
4. Cleaner Action Items
Granola automatically extracts action items with owners. Otter requires manual highlighting.
Try Granola FreeOtter Advantages
1. Free Tier
Otter offers a limited free version. Granola requires subscription after trial.
2. Established Brand
Otter has been around longer and has more integrations.
3. Visible Recording
If you want participants to know they're recorded (compliance, consent), Otter makes it obvious.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Granola | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Trial only | 300 min/month |
| Pro | ~$10-20/month | ~$17/month |
| Business | Custom | ~$30/month |
My Recommendation
For most professionals: Start with Granola.
The invisible capture changes everything. Meetings are better when people aren't thinking about the recording.
Use Otter if:
- You need free tier for light use
- Your organization requires visible recording
- You're already embedded in Otter workflows
FAQ
Is invisible recording ethical?
You're still responsible for consent laws in your jurisdiction. "Invisible" means to other participants—you know it's running.
Can I switch from Otter to Granola?
Yes. They're separate accounts. Try Granola on your next few meetings and compare.
What about transcript accuracy?
Both are good. Modern AI transcription is quite accurate. Minor errors in both, similar quality.
Does Granola have an API?
Check their docs for current integrations. Both tools have export options.
The best meeting notes tool is one that doesn't change the meeting. Granola wins on this.