WhisKey vs Otter.ai: Privacy-First vs Cloud Transcription
Compare WhisKey on-device transcription with Otter.ai cloud service. Learn why privacy-conscious users choose WhisKey at a fraction of the cost.
Looking for an Otter.ai alternative that respects your privacy? Otter.ai is a popular transcription service, but it's entirely cloud-based — meaning all your voice recordings are processed and stored on their servers.
WhisKey takes the opposite approach: 100% on-device processing. Your voice never leaves your phone. Plus, it costs up to 20x less than Otter.ai's business plans.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | WhisKey | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Free / $0.99 Pro | $8.33-$19.99 |
| Data Processing | 100% On-Device | Cloud Only |
| Privacy | Complete | Data stored on servers |
| Internet Required | ||
| Real-Time Transcription | ||
| Meeting Integration | ||
| Speaker Identification | ||
| iOS App | ||
| Android App | ||
| Keyboard Extension | ||
| Searchable Archive | ||
| AI Summaries | Pro | |
| Free Tier | Unlimited transcription | 300 min/month |
Privacy: A Fundamental Difference
This isn't just a feature difference — it's a completely different philosophy:
WhisKey's Approach
- ✓ Voice processed locally on your device
- ✓ No audio sent to any server
- ✓ No account required
- ✓ Works completely offline
- ✓ No data retention policy needed
Otter.ai's Approach
- ✗ All audio uploaded to cloud
- ✗ Recordings stored on their servers
- ✗ Account required with personal data
- ✗ Requires constant internet
- ✗ Subject to data breach risks
For sensitive conversations — medical discussions, legal matters, business negotiations, personal notes — WhisKey ensures your voice data stays private.
Different Use Cases
WhisKey and Otter.ai serve somewhat different purposes:
WhisKey is Best For:
- Personal dictation — Quick notes, messages, emails
- Privacy-sensitive content — Medical, legal, personal
- Offline use — No internet? No problem
- System-wide dictation — Works in any app via keyboard
- Budget-conscious users — Free tier + $0.99 Pro
Otter.ai is Best For:
- Meeting transcription — Zoom, Teams, Meet integration
- Team collaboration — Shared transcripts and notes
- Speaker identification — Who said what in meetings
- Searchable archive — Find past conversations
- Cross-platform — iOS, Android, web access
Pricing Breakdown
| Plan | WhisKey | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Unlimited transcription | 300 min/month |
| Pro/Basic | $0.99/month | $8.33/month |
| Business | N/A | $19.99/month |
| Yearly cost (Pro) | $11.88 | $99.96 |
WhisKey's free tier has no time limit on transcription. Otter.ai limits free users to 300 minutes per month, then requires a paid plan.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose WhisKey if you:
- Value privacy and don't want voice data on external servers
- Need offline dictation capability
- Want a system-wide keyboard for dictation in any app
- Prefer a low-cost or free solution
- Use Apple devices (iOS, iPadOS, macOS)
Choose Otter.ai if you:
- Need automatic meeting transcription with calendar integration
- Require speaker identification in multi-person recordings
- Want team collaboration features
- Need to search through historical recordings
- Use Android or need web access
The Verdict
WhisKey and Otter.ai serve different needs. For privacy-conscious personal dictation, WhisKey is the clear winner with on-device processing and dramatically lower cost.
For team meeting transcription with speaker ID and collaboration features, Otter.ai remains a strong choice — if you're comfortable with cloud processing.
If privacy matters to you, WhisKey is the only choice that keeps your voice truly private.
Ready to Try WhisKey?
Experience privacy-first voice dictation with our generous free tier. Upgrade to Pro for just $0.99/month for unlimited features.