vokaluVokalu vs Fathom: bot-free notes on Windows, not just a Mac beta.
The short answer
Fathom is hard to beat on price if a bot in the call is fine: its free plan includes unlimited recordings and AI summaries. Vokalu is the option when you need bot-free notes on a Windows PC, where Fathom’s bot-free capture isn’t available yet.
| What matters | Vokalu | Fathom |
|---|---|---|
| How it captures a meeting | On your computer, on Windows and Mac; nothing joins | Meeting bot, or bot-free capture in beta on Mac |
| Free use | $1 credit to start, then 25¢ every week (about 8 minutes of notes) | Free forever: unlimited recordings and transcriptions, instant AI summaries |
| Paid pricing | 3¢ per minute of talking, notes included | Premium $20/month or $16 billed yearly; Team $19 or $15 per user; Business $34 or $25 per user (2-user minimum for teams) |
| Also included | Dictation into any app; notes from uploaded recordings | Custom meeting bot on Premium; iOS app |
Competitor facts: Fathom pricing and plans. Vokalu facts: pricing and system requirements. Prices exclude tax. Check current checkout terms before buying.
When Fathom is worth your attention
If a notetaker joining the call is acceptable, Fathom’s free plan covers a lot, and its paid plans add team features. For many Mac users, its bot-free beta may be enough too.
When Vokalu fits
Vokalu fits when you’re on Windows and can’t have a bot in the meeting: client calls, interviews, or companies that block notetaker bots. A 45-minute call costs $1.35, and nothing joins.
Run a trial that tells you something
If a bot is fine, start with Fathom’s free plan. If it isn’t, take notes on the same call with Vokalu and with Fathom’s bot-free option where you can, and compare who-said-what and the next steps.
Keep track of the time from starting a dictation to having text you would actually send. Include corrections. A fast transcript that needs two minutes of editing may be a worse fit than a slower first result you can use immediately. That is a test to run yourself, not a performance claim about either product.
What this comparison does not establish
We have not run a controlled accuracy or latency benchmark between these products. Published features can change, and privacy requirements depend on the plan and configuration. Review the vendor’s terms for sensitive work. This page is written by Vokalu, not endorsed by Fathom.
Questions worth asking
Does Fathom work without a bot on Windows?
Fathom’s pricing page lists bot-free capture as a beta feature for Mac, as of October 26, 2026. On Windows, Vokalu records your microphone and the call’s audio on your own PC, so no bot joins.