Fathom vs Otter.ai
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Fathom | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (unlimited recordings); Pro $29/user/mo; Enterprise custom | Free (300 min/mo); Pro $19.99/user/mo; Business $33.99/user/mo |
| Meeting Capture | Bot-free (native Zoom/Meet/Teams integration), desktop app, no file import | Bot-based (Zoom, Meet, Teams), desktop/mobile app, file import |
| AI Summaries | Instant AI summaries, action items, Ask Fathom query, real-time alerts | Automated summaries with action items, speaker labels, AI Chat |
| CRM Integration | Salesforce, HubSpot (automatic CRM updates) | Salesforce, HubSpot (automated sync) |
| AI Agents | AI Scorecards for coaching | SDR Agent, Recruiting Agent |
| Public API | Yes (Public API and MCP support) | Not highlighted |
If you want a free unlimited AI notetaker with strong CRM and Slack integrations, Fathom is the better value. But if you need AI agents for sales or recruiting, file import, or multilingual transcription, Otter.ai’s Pro plan is worth the monthly limit. For most teams, Fathom’s free tier plus Ask Fathom and API access offers more flexibility.
AI notetaker that captures, summarizes, and actionizes meetings so you can focus on the conversation.
Visit WebsiteAI meeting notetaker that transcribes, summarizes, and structures conversations into searchable knowledge.
Visit WebsiteFeature-by-feature
Otter.ai and Fathom both provide AI-powered meeting transcription and summarization, but they differ in capture methods and specialized features. Otter.ai supports bot-based live transcription (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) and also offers a desktop and mobile app for on-the-go recording, plus file import from Dropbox. Fathom is bot-free, integrating natively with the same conferencing tools via desktop app, but does not support file import. Otter.ai includes AI Chat for querying meetings, while Fathom offers Ask Fathom for similar functionality. Otter.ai differentiates with AI Agents: an SDR Agent for lead qualification and a Recruiting Agent for candidate insights, which Fathom lacks. However, Fathom provides AI Scorecards for coaching and real-time alerts for key moments. Both offer CRM auto-updates to Salesforce and HubSpot. Fathom also integrates with ChatGPT and Claude, and provides a public API and MCP support, giving developers more control. Otter.ai shines in Channels for organizing conversations and supports multiple languages, whereas Fathom is more focused on English meetings. Fathom claims users save 38 minutes per meeting, but Otter.ai does not publish such metrics.
Pricing compared
Otter.ai’s Basic free tier includes 300 minutes per month (max 30 min per conversation). The Pro plan at $19.99/user/month (annual) gives 1,200 minutes monthly and advanced features like AI Chat, CRM sync, and AI Agents. Business at $33.99/user/month (annual) adds centralized admin and increased limits. Fathom’s free tier offers unlimited recordings and summaries, with the Pro plan at $29/user/month (annual) adding AI Scorecards, custom templates, and CRM auto-updates. For teams needing minimal cost, Fathom’s free unlimited usage is compelling, especially if they don’t require AI Agents. Otter.ai’s Pro is cheaper per user than Fathom Pro, but the minute caps may be restrictive for heavy users. Otter.ai also offers enterprise custom pricing, while Fathom offers an Enterprise tier. Note: Fathom’s free tier includes integrations with Slack, Asana, and Notion, making it a strong choice for small teams or individuals who want robust features without spending.
Who should pick which
- Solo founder on a budgetPick: Fathom
Fathom's free tier has no usage limits, includes CRM sync and Slack/Asana integrations, so a founder can get unlimited meeting records without paying.
- Sales team with lead qualification needsPick: Otter.ai
Otter.ai's SDR Agent automates lead qualification and triggers live demos, plus CRM sync, directly boosting sales pipeline.
- Developer needing API accessPick: Fathom
Fathom offers a public API and MCP support, enabling custom workflows and app integration, which Otter.ai does not highlight.
- Educational institution recording lecturesPick: Otter.ai
Otter.ai supports multiple languages and file import (dropbox), so educators can transcribe and search recorded lectures with speaker labels.
- Operations team minimizing meeting overheadPick: Fathom
Fathom's unlimited free tier with automated summaries and action items reduces manual follow-up, and saves up to 6 hours/week per user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool offers a free tier with unlimited usage?
Fathom offers unlimited recordings and summaries on its free tier, while Otter.ai's free tier caps at 300 minutes per month.
Can I import audio files into these tools?
Yes, Otter.ai allows file import from Dropbox. Fathom does not support file import; it only captures real-time meetings.
Do both tools integrate with Salesforce and HubSpot?
Yes, both Otter.ai and Fathom provide automatic CRM updates to Salesforce and HubSpot.
Which tool has AI agents for sales and recruiting?
Otter.ai offers SDR Agent for lead qualification and Recruiting Agent for candidate insights. Fathom does not have such agents.
Is there a public API available?
Fathom offers a public API and MCP support. Otter.ai does not highlight a public API.
Which tool supports multiple languages?
Otter.ai provides live transcription in multiple languages. Fathom is primarily designed for English.
How do Fathom's AI Scorecards compare to Otter's agents?
Fathom's AI Scorecards are for coaching and performance review, while Otter's agents automate specific workflows (lead qualification, recruiting).
Can I use these tools without a meeting bot?
Yes, both offer bot-free capture via desktop app (Otter.ai also has desktop app, but bot is optional). Fathom is primarily bot-free.
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