Head to head / AI Transcription

OpenAI Whisper API vs Otter.ai

The verdict
  • Otter.ai has a free tier to start; OpenAI Whisper API does not.
ComparedOpenAI Whisper APIOtter.ai
Starting price$16.99/mo
Free tierYes
Visit OpenAI Whisper APIVisit Otter.ai

Feature by feature

FeatureOpenAI Whisper APIOtter.ai
Languages90+English-focused (6)
APIYesYes
Real-timeNoYes
Speaker labelsNoYes
Export formatsJSON, TXT, SRT, VTTTXT, DOCX, PDF, SRT
Human optionNoNo

OpenAI Whisper API

Developers who want cheap, accurate multilingual batch transcription with a dead-simple API.

  • +Strong multilingual accuracy across 90+ languages
  • +Very low price per minute
  • +Built-in translation to English
  • +Newer gpt-4o-transcribe models available

Otter.ai

Teams that want live meeting notes and summaries inside Zoom, Meet, and Teams.

  • +Live real-time transcription during meetings
  • +OtterPilot auto-joins and summarizes calls
  • +Auto-captures action items and slides
  • +Generous free tier for individuals

Compared on the metrics we track for this category. Prices are the cheapest paid tier. Some links are affiliate links.