AssemblyAI vs Najva
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | AssemblyAI | Najva |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Cloud API / SDK | macOS menubar app |
| Primary Use | Speech-to-text & voice agent APIs | Offline dictation + AI text processing |
| Languages | Universal-2: 99 languages; Universal-3.5 Pro: 18 languages | Multi-language (unspecified count) |
| Real-time | Yes (Universal-3.5 Pro Realtime with Context Carryover) | No (offline only) |
| Privacy | Cloud-based (no on-premises option) | Local processing (fully offline) |
Speech-to-text and voice agent APIs: transcribe, understand, and ship voice AI on one API key.
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Najva is a free macOS menubar app that does offline Whisper speech-to-text, then optionally hands your transcript to Claude, GPT, or Gemini using your own API
Visit WebsiteWho should pick which
- Privacy-conscious writerPick: Najva
Free, offline, menubar dictation with AI processing — no data leaves your Mac.
- Developer building a voice agentPick: AssemblyAI
Voice Agent API with turn detection, HTTP tool calling, and LLM Gateway for production voice AI.
- Budget-limited solo userPick: Najva
It's free and works offline; no API costs or internet dependency.
- Global app requiring 99 languagesPick: AssemblyAI
Universal-2 supports 99 languages; Najva's language count is unspecified and likely fewer.
- Real-time transcription for live meetingsPick: AssemblyAI
Universal-3.5 Pro Realtime with Context Carryover is built for streaming; Najva is offline-only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Najva transcribe audio files in batch?
The data describes Najva as a menubar app for live dictation and AI processing; there is no mention of batch file transcription or API access.
Does AssemblyAI offer an offline mode?
No. AssemblyAI is a cloud API; it requires internet connectivity and is not available for on-premises deployment.
Which tool has better accuracy for medical transcription?
AssemblyAI is noted as best for medical transcription applications due to its high-accuracy models (Universal-3.5 Pro achieving human parity on Coval benchmark). Najva does not target medical use.
Can I use Najva on Windows or Linux?
No. Najva is explicitly a macOS menubar app.
What languages does Najva support?
The data says 'multi-language speech recognition' but does not list specific languages. AssemblyAI's Universal-2 supports 99 languages; Universal-3.5 Pro supports 18.
Is there a free tier for AssemblyAI beyond 100 minutes?
No. The free trial includes 100 minutes; after that, you pay per hour. No unlimited free tier exists.
Does Najva support real-time streaming?
No. Najva uses offline speech recognition; real-time streaming is not mentioned.
Which tool is better for a non-technical user?
Najva is a GUI menubar app suitable for non-technical users. AssemblyAI requires programming skills to use its APIs and SDKs.
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Last reviewed: July 30, 2026