Top 5 Fathom Alternatives & Competitors for Automated Notes in 2024

Max Gayler

October 15, 2024

Remote Works

Still relying on Fathom for automated notes? Well, it's no surprise – Fathom has been a reliable workhorse for many. It offered a streamlined solution for note-taking and transcription, making life easier for busy professionals.

But here's the kicker: while Fathom has its perks, it's not without its limitations. Some folks are finding themselves on the lookout for Fathom alternatives, and here's why.

Fathom's capabilities, though commendable, are not always in sync with the evolving demands of the modern world. Its rigid feature set may leave users craving more versatility and advanced AI integration as well as more ways to work asynchronously. Many users are seeking solutions that offer seamless integration with other tools, compatibility with various file formats, and improved accuracy in automated transcription.

So, if you're itching for a change, join us as we explore the top 5 Fathom alternatives and competitors that are turning heads in 2024.

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What is Fathom?

For solo entrepreneurs and small teams, finding the right note-taking tool can be a game-changer. Enter Fathom, a user-friendly and cost-effective competitor. Fathom is designed with the unique needs of one-person teams and small businesses in mind, offering simplicity and affordability without sacrificing essential features.

Fathom caters to the often-overlooked segment of one-person teams and small businesses. Its streamlined approach and budget-friendly pricing make it an ideal choice for those who don't need the complexity and higher costs associated with larger team or enterprise solutions.

Pros

While Fathom may offer a broader range of features, Fathom's simplicity, quick setup, and affordability make it a standout offering for solo entrepreneurs and small teams:

Simplicity: Fathom’s ease of use is a major selling point. It offers a streamlined interface, removing any unnecessary complexities. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals or small teams who need a simple yet effective tool.
Cost-Effective: Targeting small-scale users, Fathom’s pricing model is more affordable compared to Fathom, which may be more cost-intensive for larger teams or enterprises.
Intelligent Meeting Highlights: Once you’re in a meeting, click on Fathom to create highlights that will appear later in your recording.
Full Transcripts: Get a full transcript of any meeting along with speaker identification
Free Option is Very Powerful: Fathom offers unlimited calls to unlimited team members. It does reserve its strong features for its paid version, Fathom Teams.

Cons

Fathom is a very strong option, however, it does have some drawbacks:

Only Supports 6 Languages: Other options offer 100+ language options, however, Fathom only supports English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Portugese.
No Screen Recording: Fathom doesn’t work as a screen recording tool, meaning no asynchronous capabilities for this option.
Poor Embed Options: Fathom doesn’t embed well in emails, Linear or other tools just yet, meaning you have to send URLs out to your team, creating more noise in their browsers.

Fathom Pricing

Fathom's pricing is tailored to meet the specific needs of one-person teams and small businesses.

Fathom also offers a Fathom Teams product that costs $32 per seat per month for a Standard Plan, and $39 per seat per month for a Pro plan which includes CRM sync, SSO and advanced access controls.

Fathom’s free plan

Unlimited minutes
Unlimited users
Salesforce, Hubspot, Notion and Slack integrations.

Best Overall Alternative: Claap

Claap rises as a noteworthy candidate in the search for a Fathom replacement. It stands out by offering an innovative approach to meeting notes, automated transcription, and AI integration. Claap's primary goal is to enhance business efficiency, catering to a wide range of applications, including the seamless combination of asynchronous videos, robust meeting recordings, and AI-powered summaries.

This comprehensive platform facilitates smarter and more effective business communication and documentation, transforming the way organizations manage their meetings and insights.

What is Claap?

Claap is more than just a note-taking tool; it's an intelligent video wiki that revolutionizes the way businesses capture and utilize meeting content. Imagine having access to not only textual notes but also video recordings with accurate transcripts and AI-powered summaries – that's Claap in a nutshell.

What makes Claap stand out as the best overall AI meeting companion is its comprehensive approach to collaboration and data alignment. It's more than just an addition to your software arsenal; it’s a tool that streamlines and amplifies your research capabilities.

This is supported by screen recording and intelligent meeting recording that make Claap a holistic tool designed to take care of the scalable needs of growingly visual companies that want to stay aligned.

Claap vs Fathom: Which Does What Better?

Feature Comparison

Feature	Fathom	Claap
Screen recording	❌ No	✅ Yes
Meeting recording	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Automated transcript	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Automated AI meeting notes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Video wiki	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Comments	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Advanced collaboration	❌ No	✅ Yes
Video Trimming & Stitching	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Premium plan cost	$39/month	$30/month

Let's delve into why Claap stands out as a top Fathom competitor:

Screen Recording: Claap integrates screen recording, which is a step ahead of Fathom. This feature is particularly beneficial for teams that rely on visual aids during meetings.
Advanced Collaboration: Claap excels in enabling advanced collaboration among team members, providing tools that facilitate a more interactive and engaging meeting experience compared to Fathom. This includes speaker recognition, video annotation, threads, polls, and more.
Customization: The ability to customize transcripts gives you the freedom to structure your meeting documentation in a way that aligns with your specific needs and workflow.

Pros

Let's take a closer look at some of Claap's standout features that make it a good Fathom alternative:

Video & Screen Recording: Claap seamlessly integrates video recordings with transcripts and summaries, providing a richer meeting documentation experience. This combination of video and text ensures you have multiple avenues to access and understand your meeting content.
AI-Powered Summaries: Claap's AI summaries are not mere recaps; they provide context and highlight key points, allowing you to quickly grasp the essence of your meetings without sifting through lengthy notes.
Competitive Pricing: Claap's pricing structure is designed to be competitive, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can access its powerful features without straining their budgets.

Cons

Compatibility: the desktop app is currently only available on Mac. Windows is on the way.
Sentiment Analysis: Compared to high level enterprise products, Claap is missing some of the top tier features like sentiment analysis and tone suggestions. This is reflected in the price however.

Claap pricing

Cost-effectiveness is a significant factor when considering Fathom alternatives, and Claap doesn't disappoint.

A Basic Recorder plan is as cheap as $8 per seat per month when you pay yearly. This level comes with unlimited video recordings, however they are capped at 30 minutes per video.

If you want something more powerful, the Power Recorder option is as cheap as $24 per seat per month and comes with unlimited everything. An Enterprise plan is also available for businesses that need CRM integrations, advanced privacy, SSO, API, and more.

Claap’s free plan

10 minutes per user
10 minutes per video
Maximum 20 recorders per space
Chrome extension and Desktop app
Video annotations
Notion and Slack integrations

Best Audio-Only Alternative: Otter

For those who are looking for a budget-friendly fathom alternative, Otter emerges as a compelling choice. Otter is an AI-driven transcription and note-taking tool that not only offers robust features but also provides a generous free plan, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

What is Otter?

Otter is designed to cater to a wide range of users, including those who are just starting their journey with note-taking tools or need an economical option. Its standout feature is its free plan, which offers impressive AI transcription capabilities without breaking the bank.

Pros

While Fathom is known for its advanced features, Otter's free plan makes it an appealing choice for users who don't require the full spectrum of capabilities provided by Fathom. Let's delve into why Otter is a noteworthy Fathom competitor:

Free Plan: Otter's complimentary offering is a significant draw, especially for those starting out or operating on a limited budget. This plan allows users to access essential features without financial constraints, unlike Fathom.
User-Friendly Interface: Otter is designed with simplicity in mind, making it more approachable for users who may find Fathom' array of features overwhelming.
Real-time Transcription: Otter provides real-time transcription capabilities, ensuring that you can capture discussions as they happen, which can be especially useful for live meetings.
Slide Capture: Otter has the capability to copy the text from slides as well as voice to make sure it doesn’t miss a single detail in the meeting.
Chat Capabilities: Recently, Otter AI Chat has been launched. This allows deeper collaboration so you can get answers to meetings questions instantly by using your database of transcripts.

Cons

Poor Meeting Analytics: Some tools provide deeper analytics of meeting content, such as sentiment analysis, trend identification, and detailed participant engagement metrics, which are beyond the basic transcription services of Otter.ai.
No Integrated Video Recording: Unlike some of its competitors, Otter.ai primarily focuses on audio transcription and may not offer integrated video recording or the ability to directly capture and sync video content with notes.
Automated Action Item Extraction: Some note-taking tools have the capability to automatically identify and extract action items or tasks from meeting transcripts, a feature that might not be as developed in Otter.ai.
Limited AI Summaries: While Otter.ai offers transcription services, it may not provide as advanced AI-powered summarization of meetings as some other tools do. These summaries are often context-aware and highlight key discussion points more effectively.
Non-Customizable Transcripts: Advanced customization options for transcripts, such as adding annotations, custom tags, or editing layouts, might be more limited in Otter.ai compared to some other platforms.
Missing Integration with a Wider Range of Business Tools: While Otter.ai integrates with popular platforms, other tools might offer a broader range of integrations, particularly with specialized business applications.
No Speaker Identification and Attribution: Some competitors might offer more advanced speaker identification and attribution features, which are crucial in multi-speaker environments to accurately track who said what.
Unlimited Access is Expensive: Otter does not have an unlimited option. Thye offer an Enterprise service for high demand accounts but the price of this can become expensive.
Privacy scandals: Otter has a history of audio files being sent to third parties. Of course, Otter has now made efforts to rectify this, however, stories from customers are still off putting to read.

Otter Pricing

While Otter's free plan is its standout feature, it also offers paid plans for users who require additional features and usage limits.

A Pro account costs $17 per seat per month and comes with 1200 minutes of transcription. That includes a maximum session time of 90 minutes. You can also import up to 10 audio or video files per month.

Their Business plan costs $40 per user per month and allows 6,000 monthly minutes and sessions of up to 4 hours.

Otter’s free plan

Otter AI chat
Zoom, MS Teams and Google Meet integrations
300 transcription minutes
30 minutes per sessions
Up to 3 audio or video files

Best Cheap Alternative: tl,dv

Tl;dv is an intelligent meeting recorder that provides you with a word-for-word transcript of everything that was said as well as an AI-generated summary so people can catch up without sitting through hours of talking.

It’s a handy tool but it isn’t the only one of its kind. Maybe you need something more powerful, with a better UI, cheaper, or that can replace multiple tools at once. Tl;dv doesn’t cover all the bases but works as a great Fathom alternative if you only need specific features.

What is Tl;dv?

Tl;dv is a meeting recording and transcription tool designed to simplify the process of capturing and referencing important discussions. It offers a range of features aimed at streamlining meeting documentation and making information easily accessible.

Pros

To start, let’s talk about the key points that make Tl;dv a great option for your team:

AI-Powered Transcription and Summarization: Tl;dv can transcribe meetings in 20+ languages and automatically summarize the topics discussed, highlighting key moments with AI.
Integration with Other Platforms: It integrates well with platforms like Notion, Slack, HubSpot, and CRMs such as Salesforce.
User-Friendly Interface: It's noted for its ease of use and is suitable for various professionals, including those in UX/user research, sales, hiring, and product teams.
Automatic Speaker Recognition: Tl;dv can identify multiple speakers and break this down into the transcript itself.
Video Clip Creation: Tl;dv allows users to create bite-size videos containing meeting insights, which is useful for sharing key moments.

Cons

Now let’s look at at where Tl;dv might be lacking in certain areas:

No Screen Recording: Tl;dv is designed to record meetings and transcribe audio. It doesn’t work as a holistic tool for synchronous and asynchronous video
No Highlighted Moments: Tl;dv doesn’t allow you to pin key moments during meetings.
Basic Collaboration Features: Tl;dv does allow your team members to share videos between them, however, it doesn’t support video annotation, thread creating, or polls like some competitors do.
No Sentiment Analysis: Enterprise level products like Gong break down the word selection and tone of speakers in calls, offering a detailed look at not just what happened in the meeting, but how it happened.
No Basic Plan Offering: Tl;dv only offers a free or Pro plan, meaning you are either stuck with a limited free account or have to pay the full amount for a subscription. This may price out some companies.
Not an Adequate Video Wiki: Tl;dv does store all your videos for you, however it doesn’t act as a suitable home for your videos. It is designed to be integrated with other tools and have videos hosted there.

tl;dv Pricing

Tl;dv offers three different kinds of plans, Free, Pro, and Enterprise:

Their Pro plan costs $20 per seat per month and comes with unlimited recording and unlimited transcriptions. It also includes integrations with 5000+ tools, global search, team folders, and unlimited view-only members. If you want SSO, an API and more advanced features you’ll need the Enterprise plan.

Tl;dv free plan

Unlimited recordings
Unlimited transcripts
20+ languages
AI summaries
Speaker recognition
Slack integration
Viewing notifications

Best Free Alternative: Wudpecker

While Wudpecker has its strengths, it's essential to consider other players in the AI meeting notes arena. After all, making an informed choice requires a comprehensive view of what's available. Let's delve into some of the notable alternatives, giving you a well-rounded perspective on your options as you navigate the world of AI meeting notes tools.

What is Wudpecker?

With Wudpecker, you can transform your meetings and discussions into valuable insights and actionable items effortlessly. Its AI-powered features make note-taking a breeze, ensuring that no important detail goes unnoticed. But, as savvy business professionals, you want to weigh your options, and that's precisely what we're here to help you with.

Pros

Cost-Effective: Wudpecker's price tag makes it a standout choice for businesses looking to optimize their resources. In an age where every penny counts, this affordability is a definite advantage.
Efficient AI Note-Taking: One of Wudpecker's key strengths is its AI-powered note-taking feature. It ensures that every crucial point from your meetings is captured accurately, allowing you to focus on what matters most—making decisions and taking action.
Seamless Collaboration: Wudpecker goes beyond note-taking, fostering seamless collaboration. You can easily share meeting notes with your team, ensuring everyone is on the same page, regardless of their physical location.

Cons

Learning Curve: While Wudpecker offers a robust set of features, some users might find it takes a little time to get fully comfortable with the platform. However, the learning curve is relatively minor, considering the benefits it offers.
Limited Integration: Compared to some other AI meeting notes tools, Wudpecker's integration options are somewhat limited. If your workflow heavily relies on specific third-party apps, you might need to explore workarounds or alternative solutions.
No Screen Recording: Tl;dv is designed to record meetings and transcribe audio. It doesn’t work as a holistic tool for synchronous and asynchronous video
No Highlighted Moments: Tl;dv doesn’t allow you to pin key moments during meetings.
No Advanced Collaboration: Woodpecker turns videos into a database of knowledge, however, it doesn’t allow you to rewatch meetings, comment, annotate, and make fast decisions.

Wudpecker Pricing

Wudpecker is well known for their free plan, however they also offer a Plus and Pro plan for those in need of more advanced features.

Their Plus plan comes in at $16 per seat per month. This includes up to 30 AI meeting notes, access to beta features, and automatic recording of recurring meetings.

The Pro plan allows you to record up to 100 meetings per month but comes in at $30 per seat per month.

Wudpecker free plan

10 free meetings per month
Shareable recordings and notes
Transcription for 100+ languages
Email notifications for ready notes
Customizable notetaker's joining message
Customizable notes
Integrations: Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams

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Best Enterprise Alternative: Gong

For larger enterprises seeking a comprehensive solution that goes beyond traditional note-taking, Gong emerges as a heavyweight contender among Fathom alternatives. Gong is not just a note-taking tool; it's a powerful platform that combines meeting transcription, analytics, and coaching to help enterprises extract actionable insights from their interactions.

What is Gong?

Gong is designed for businesses that require advanced analytics, coaching, and in-depth insights into their meetings and interactions. It's more than just a note-taking tool; it's a strategic asset for enhancing team performance and decision-making.

Pros

When it comes to catering to the needs of larger enterprises, Gong excels, positioning itself as a formidable Fathom competitor. Here's why Gong stands out:

Deal Intelligence: Gong's deal intelligence feature is particularly noteworthy. It analyzes customer interactions across various platforms (emails, calls, meetings) to provide insights into sales deals. This feature helps sales teams understand what's working and what's not in their sales tactics, providing real-time guidance on how to steer conversations for better outcomes.
Revenue Intelligence: Gong's revenue intelligence platform goes beyond traditional CRM data. It provides a more holistic view of customer interactions and sales processes. This allows for a deeper understanding of the customer journey and enables sales teams to make data-driven decisions that align with their revenue goals.
Conversation Analysis with AI: While many tools offer conversation transcription, Gong uses advanced AI to analyze these conversations for key elements like customer sentiment, spoken keywords, competitive mentions, and buyer engagement levels. This analysis provides actionable insights that can help in refining sales strategies and customer engagement.
Coaching and Training Recommendations: Gong uniquely uses its conversation intelligence data to offer personalized coaching and training recommendations for sales representatives. By analyzing successful sales calls and identifying best practices, Gong can guide sales teams on effective communication strategies, helping to improve their overall performance.

Cons

Gong is a big player in the business of meeting recording, but it also has its share of problems:

Very Expensive: Gong requires a minimum spend of $9,000 per year and requires an installation cost of roughly $5,000. It is easy to spend upwards of $40,000 per year for reasonably sized sales teams.
Specialized for Sales: This product is very intelligent and tailored much more towards salespeople. Using this in your product or tech teams could feel like using a Tesla as a golf buggy.
Inaccurate Analysis: Gong has a ton of powerful features that read your tone, however, reports from users show they are not always accurate.
Complicated UI: It’s hard to find video recordings using the inbuilt search bar.

Gong Pricing

Gong's pricing is tailored to meet the needs of larger enterprises, with customizable plans and features. That means they do not offer a free trial and they do not publicize their pricing.

They do require a minimum spend of $9,000 per year per account, and there is an installation cost of roughly $5,000.

Which Fathom Alternative is Right For You?

Claap - The Best Overall Alternative

Ideal for: Businesses of varying sizes requiring a comprehensive note-taking solution.

Why Choose Claap: Claap excels with its integration of video, AI-powered summaries, and customizable transcripts, all at a competitive price. It's perfect for those seeking to capture every aspect of their meetings efficiently.

Otter - The Best Audio-Only Alternative

Ideal for: Budget-conscious users, including students, freelancers, or small teams.

Why Choose Otter: Otter's strong suit is its free plan, which provides an easy-to-use interface and real-time transcription, ideal for users wanting AI transcription without financial commitment.

tl;dv - The Best Cheap Alternative

Ideal for: Teams looking for an affordable yet effective meeting recording and transcription tool.

Why Choose tl;dv: With its AI-powered transcription and summarization in over 20 languages, user-friendly interface, and integration with various platforms, tl;dv is an excellent choice for those needing specific features at a lower cost.

Wudpecker - The Best Free Alternative

Ideal for: Users seeking an efficient and cost-effective AI note-taking tool.

Why Choose Wudpecker: Known for its AI-powered note-taking and seamless collaboration features, Wudpecker offers a balance of functionality and affordability, making it a great choice for businesses optimizing resources.

Gong - The Best Enterprise Alternative

Ideal for: Larger enterprises in need of a solution that offers more than just note-taking, like advanced analytics and coaching.

Why Choose Gong: Gong stands out with its advanced features such as deal intelligence, revenue intelligence, and AI-powered conversation analysis, making it a strategic asset for enhancing team performance and decision-making in larger organizations.

When selecting a Fathom alternative, consider your unique requirements, budget constraints, and desired features to ensure the tool aligns with your business goals. Each of these alternatives offers distinct advantages, catering to a wide range of needs and preferences.