Otter.ai vs Fireflies.ai vs Fathom for Freelancers (2026)
If you take client calls, an AI notetaker can save you from typing during meetings. Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai and Fathom are three common choices. This comparison uses the notes in our directory, based on each vendor's public pricing and site as of Oct 2026. Plans change, so confirm on the vendor page, and always get consent before recording anyone.
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The short version
Choose Fathom if you want a free notetaker to start with. Choose Fireflies if you want meeting records pushed into the tools you already use. Choose Otter if searchable transcripts, summaries and action items are the priority. We have not tested accuracy side by side.
Who Fathom suits
Fathom records and summarises video calls and works with Zoom, Meet and Teams. It has a free plan with unlimited recordings and transcriptions, which makes it a reasonable first notetaker for solo freelancers. Advanced summaries and integrations sit on paid tiers.
Who Fireflies suits
Fireflies joins calls to transcribe and summarise them, and it integrates with common tools. It has a free tier and is a fit for freelancers who want call records feeding their workflow. A visible bot may bother some clients.
Who Otter suits
Otter records and transcribes meetings with searchable transcripts, summaries and action items. It suits freelancers who want to find things from old calls later. Its accuracy varies with audio quality, so check names and jargon.
Pricing, as recorded
Fathom lists Free at $0 and Premium at $16 a month on annual billing ($20 monthly). Fireflies lists a free tier and Pro at $10 per seat a month on annual billing ($18 monthly). Otter lists Pro at $8.49 a month on annual billing ($16.99 monthly), with Business at $24 annual or $30 monthly. Otter's monthly price is noticeably higher than its annual price.
Consent and client comfort
With all three, consent to record is on you. Tell clients up front, and keep sensitive material out of calls you would not want recorded.
At a glance
Otter.ai
Best for: Freelancers who take client calls and want searchable notes.
Pricing (as of Oct 2026): Pro $16.99/mo monthly or $8.49/mo billed annually; Business $30 / $24.
Pros
- Searchable transcripts
- Summaries and action items
- Integrations
Cons
- Accuracy varies with audio
- Consent needed to record
- Pricing higher on monthly
Fireflies.ai
Best for: Freelancers who want meeting records pushed into their tools.
Pricing (as of Oct 2026): Free; Pro $10/seat/mo annual ($18 monthly); Business $19 ($29).
Pros
- Free tier
- Integrations with common tools
- Summaries
Cons
- Bot joins calls
- Consent is on you
- Advanced features on higher plans
Fathom
Best for: Freelancers who want a free notetaker for Zoom, Meet and Teams.
Pricing (as of Oct 2026): Free $0; Premium $16/mo annual ($20 monthly).
Pros
- Free unlimited recordings
- Instant summaries
- Works with Zoom, Meet and Teams
Cons
- Best features paid
- Consent required
- Fewer team features
How we compared
How we compared: we used only the recorded pricing, pros, cons and best-for notes for each tool in our directory, from public vendor information as of Oct 2026. We have not been paid by any of the three vendors, and no link on this page is an active affiliate link unless marked sponsored. We did not run side-by-side tests, so try a free plan or trial first where one is offered.
Our verdict
Our take: start with Fathom's free plan, since it costs nothing to test on a real call. Move to Fireflies if integrations matter, or Otter if searchable transcripts are your main need. Compare current plan limits on each pricing page before paying.
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