Otter.ai Review 2025
Cloud-Based AI Transcription for Mac
Rating: 7.5/10 | Grade: C
Otter.ai offers solid transcription accuracy with good features, but its cloud-based processing raises privacy concerns for sensitive audio.
By the Mac Transcription Guide Team
Mac software analysts with 8+ years testing transcription tools for legal, medical, and academic use. Personally transcribed 500+ hours across 15+ applications. Published September 28, 2025 • Updated October 22, 2025
Table of Contents
What is Otter.ai?
Otter.ai is a popular cloud-based transcription service that uses AI to convert speech to text. It offers real-time transcription, keyword search, and collaboration features. While it works well for general use, its reliance on cloud processing makes it unsuitable for sensitive or confidential audio.
Key Features
🎯 Good Accuracy
Achieves 90-95% accuracy for clear audio with good speakers.
🔍 Smart Features
Keyword search, speaker identification, and summary generation.
📱 Cross-Platform
Works on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
👥 Collaboration
Share transcripts and collaborate with team members.
Privacy Concerns
⚠️ Important Privacy Notice
Otter.ai requires uploading all audio to their cloud servers for processing. This means:
- Your audio data is stored on Otter's servers
- Privacy policies allow data sharing with third parties
- Not suitable for confidential meetings, legal recordings, or HIPAA-protected information
- Potential security risks if servers are compromised
Pricing
Free
$0
600 minutes/month
Pro
$20/month
6,000 minutes/month
Business
$40/month
60,000 minutes/month
Performance Comparison
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Good transcription accuracy
- Real-time transcription
- Collaboration features
- Free tier available
⚠️ Cons
- Cloud processing = privacy risks
- Subscription-based pricing
- Slower than offline alternatives
- Limited customization
Recommendation
Otter.ai is a good choice for non-sensitive, general-purpose transcription where privacy isn't a concern. However, for confidential audio (legal, medical, business), we strongly recommend offline alternatives like Scriber Pro that process locally on your device.
Alternatives
Scriber Pro (Recommended)
Best offline alternative with superior privacy and speed. Read our Scriber Pro review: privacy-first offline transcription with 10-50x real-time speed
Rev.com
Human transcription service for highest accuracy. Read our Rev.com review: 99% human accuracy, $1.50/minute pricing, and 12-24 hour turnaround