Otter.ai is a popular transcription tool whose OtterPilot bot joins your call and records to Otter's cloud.
Backchannel keeps recording, transcription and speaker identification on your Mac, adds no bot to the call, and writes notes to a location you own with an AI model you choose.
| Feature | Backchannel | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| No bot joins the call | ✓ On-device audio | — Bot (OtterPilot) |
| Audio stays on your device | ✓ | — Cloud |
| On-device transcription | ✓ | — |
| Notes saved to a location you own | ✓ | — |
| Bring your own AI model / key | ✓ | — |
| Captures the shared screen | ✓ | — |
| Platform | macOS | Web, Mac, iOS |
| Status | In development | Generally available |
Details about Otter.ai are summarized from public information and can change — check Otter.ai for the latest. Backchannel is in active development.
Choose Otter for a mature web app with sharing and search. Choose Backchannel if you'd rather no bot joined the call and your audio never left your Mac.
Yes — a private, on-device one. Backchannel takes meeting notes without a bot and without uploading your audio.
No. It records your Mac's own audio, so nothing joins the meeting.
It's in active development — register for availability.
Backchannel is in active development. Leave your details and we'll tell you the moment you can try it — no spam, just the launch.