Otter.ai Alternative for Mac
By Convo Team • Published January 17, 2026 • Last updated January 17, 2026
Is Convo a good Otter.ai alternative for Mac? Yes, with caveats. Convo is better if you want real-time AI help during calls (Otter only helps after), local audio processing, and pre-meeting context. Otter is better if you need a searchable meeting archive, Intel Mac support, Slack Huddle auto-detection, or a free tier. Both now offer native Mac apps with bot-free recording.
Looking for an AI meeting assistant that does more than searchable archives? Convo is a native macOS app with real-time AI help during calls—not just transcripts afterward.
Convo vs Otter: What Mac Users Need to Know
Both Convo and Otter now have native Mac apps. Here's how they differ for Mac users.
Mac-First Architecture
Convo is built with Swift specifically for macOS. While Otter now has a Mac app (released October 2025), Convo was designed for Mac from day one.
Apple Silicon Native
Convo is optimized for M1, M2, and M3 chips. Otter supports both Apple Silicon and Intel, but Convo's focus means better optimization for newer Macs.
Real-Time Help, Not Just Archives
Otter excels at searchable meeting archives. Convo helps you during the call with live suggestions when you freeze or need the right response.
Local-First Privacy
Convo processes audio on your Mac first. Otter uploads everything to their cloud for processing. For privacy-conscious Mac users, architecture matters.
Context Before Meetings
Before each call, Convo shows you relevant context from previous conversations with the same person. Otter's archive is searchable but doesn't surface context proactively.
Headphone Compatibility
Both Convo and Otter's new Mac app work with headphones during meetings—capturing system audio directly without needing speaker output.
Convo vs Otter.ai for Mac
Side-by-side comparison for Mac users
| Feature | Convo | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac App | Yes - Built with Swift | Yes - Released Oct 2025 |
| Apple Silicon + Intel | Apple Silicon only | Both supported |
| Bot-Free Recording | Yes - Always | Yes - New feature |
| Real-Time AI Help | Yes - During calls | No - After calls only |
| Local Processing | Yes - On your Mac | No - Cloud only |
| Pre-Meeting Context | Yes - Past conversations | No |
| Searchable Archive | Basic | Excellent - Core feature |
| Slack Huddle Detection | Manual start | Auto-detection |
| Pricing | $20/month | Free tier, $17/mo paid |
Want the full comparison with all features?
View Complete Otter vs Convo Comparison →When to Choose Each
Choose Convo if you...
- Need help during calls, not just searchable archives
- Want AI suggestions when you freeze or need responses
- Value local processing and on-device privacy
- Want context from past meetings before calls start
- Have an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3)
Choose Otter if you...
- Need a powerful searchable meeting archive
- Want automatic Slack Huddle detection
- Have an Intel Mac (Convo requires Apple Silicon)
- Need a free tier for basic transcription
- Only need documentation after calls end
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using Otter vs Convo on Mac
Ready for more than searchable archives?
Download Convo for Mac and experience real-time AI assistance during your meetings—not just transcripts afterward.
Sources & References
- Otter macOS Desktop App Documentation - https://help.otter.ai/hc/en-us/articles/35973988280215-Otter-macOS-Desktop
- Otter Desktop App Launch Announcement - https://otter.ai/blog/introducing-the-otter-desktop-app