Hey there! If you’ve ever wondered how to make meetings, lectures, or interviews easier to manage, you might have heard of Otter.ai. It’s an AI-powered tool that transcribes audio into text, saving you time and effort. But how much does it cost?
Today, we’re diving into Otter.ai pricing in a friendly, easy-to-read way. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or part of a big team, this blog will help you figure out which plan fits your needs and budget. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Otter.ai, Anyway?
Before we talk about pricing, let’s quickly cover what Otter.ai does. Imagine you’re in a Zoom meeting or recording a podcast. Instead of scribbling notes or missing details, Otter.ai listens and writes everything down for you. It can even tell who’s speaking and summarize key points. Pretty cool, right? It’s like having a super-smart assistant that doesn’t need coffee breaks.
Now, let’s explore the pricing plans. Otter.ai offers options for different users, from free to paid plans. Each comes with its own perks, so you can pick what works best for you.
The Free Plan: Otter Basic
Let’s start with the good news: Otter.ai has a free plan called Otter Basic. If you’re just testing the waters or don’t need much transcription, this could be perfect.
Here’s what you get with Otter Basic:
- 300 minutes of transcription per month
- Up to 30 minutes per conversation
- Real-time transcription for live meetings
- Ability to import and transcribe 3 audio or video files (lifetime limit)
- Basic features like speaker identification and searchable notes
This plan is great for students taking lecture notes or someone recording short interviews. But there’s a catch. The 300 minutes don’t roll over, and 30 minutes per session might feel short for longer meetings. Still, it’s a fantastic way to try Otter.ai without spending a dime.
The Pro Plan: More Minutes, More Features
If the free plan feels limiting, the Pro plan might be your next step. It’s designed for individuals or small teams who need more flexibility. Here’s how much it costs:
| Billing Option | Price Per Month | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $16.99 | $203.88 |
| Annual | $10 | $120 |
By paying yearly, you save over $80! That’s a nice bonus if you’re committed to using Otter.ai long-term.
What do you get for your money? Check this out:
- 1,200 minutes of transcription per month
- Up to 90 minutes per conversation
- Import and transcribe 10 audio or video files per month
- Advanced features like custom vocabulary (up to 100 terms) and faster playback speeds
- Otter Assistant for two concurrent meetings (it joins Zoom, Teams, or Meet for you!)
This plan suits freelancers, journalists, or small teams. For example, if you’re a podcaster recording hour-long episodes, the 90-minute limit and extra minutes give you room to breathe. Plus, the Otter Assistant is a game-changer if you’re juggling multiple calls.
The Business Plan: Perfect for Teams
Now, if you’re part of a bigger team or company, the Business plan steps things up. It’s built for collaboration and heavier use. Here’s the pricing breakdown:
| Billing Option | Price Per Month | Total Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $35 | $420 |
| Annual | $20 | $240 |
Again, going annual saves you $180 per user. That adds up fast if you have multiple team members!
Here’s what the Business plan offers:
- 6,000 minutes of transcription per month per user
- Up to 4 hours per conversation
- Unlimited audio/video file imports
- Team features like shared speaker IDs and centralized billing
- Otter Assistant for three concurrent meetings
This is ideal for businesses with frequent meetings or training sessions. Imagine a marketing team reviewing four-hour strategy calls. With 6,000 minutes, you’re covered for about 100 hours of transcription monthly. Plus, the unlimited imports mean no worrying about file limits.
The Enterprise Plan: Custom Solutions for Big Organizations
For large companies with specific needs, Otter.ai offers an Enterprise plan. There’s no set price because it’s tailored to your organization. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote.
What might you get? Think big:
- Everything from the Business plan
- Extra security like Single Sign-On (SSO)
- Organization-wide deployment
- Custom workflows and integrations
- Priority support
This is for corporations or universities needing top-notch control and scalability. Costs can range widely (some estimates suggest $6,000 to $35,000 annually), depending on seats and features. If you’re in this boat, it’s worth a chat with Otter.ai to see what they can offer.
Special Discounts: Students and Teachers
Are you a student or teacher? Good news! Otter.ai gives a 20% discount on the Pro plan if you have a .edu email. Here’s what it looks like:
- Pro Monthly: $13.59 (down from $16.99)
- Pro Annual: $6.67/month or $79.99/year (down from $120)
That’s a sweet deal for lecture notes or research interviews. Just sign up with your school email, and you’re set.
How Does Otter.ai Compare to Others?
You might wonder how Otter.ai stacks up against competitors like Rev or Temi. Let’s keep it simple:
- Otter Basic (free) gives 300 minutes, while Temi charges $0.25 per minute (no free tier).
- Otter Pro ($120/year) offers 1,200 minutes monthly; Rev’s automated service would cost $1,800 for that at $1.50/minute.
- Otter Business ($240/year) includes team tools; others often lack this at a similar price.
Otter.ai shines with real-time transcription and collaboration features, making it a budget-friendly choice for many.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Picking the right plan depends on your needs. Here’s a quick guide:
- Otter Basic: Try it free if you’re new or have light transcription needs (e.g., occasional notes).
- Pro: Go for this if you’re a solo user or small team needing more minutes and features (e.g., journalists or consultants).
- Business: Choose this for teams with lots of meetings or long sessions (e.g., corporate settings).
- Enterprise: Contact Otter.ai if you’re a large organization wanting custom solutions.
Think about how much you’ll transcribe and whether you need team tools. Start with Basic to test it, then upgrade if you love it!
Pros and Cons of Otter.ai Pricing
Let’s break it down:
Pros
- Free plan to get started
- Affordable Pro option with annual billing
- Generous minutes in Business plan
- Discounts for students and educators
Cons
- No rollover minutes in any plan
- Enterprise pricing isn’t transparent
- Basic plan’s 30-minute limit might frustrate some
Overall, the pricing feels fair for what you get, especially with real-time features and integrations.
FAQs About Otter.ai Pricing
Got questions? Here are some common ones answered simply:
Is Otter.ai really free?
Yes, the Basic plan is free with 300 minutes monthly and a 30-minute cap per session. It’s limited but useful for light use.
Can I use Otter.ai for unlimited transcription?
Not quite. Even the Business plan caps at 6,000 minutes per user monthly. For truly unlimited needs, you’d need a custom Enterprise deal.
What happens if I go over my minutes?
You’ll need to wait until the next month or upgrade your plan. Minutes don’t carry over, so plan wisely!
Is the Pro plan worth it for solo users?
If you transcribe more than 300 minutes or need longer sessions, yes! The $10/month annual rate is a steal for 1,200 minutes.
Wrapping It Up
Otter.ai’s pricing is pretty straightforward once you break it down. Whether you stick with the free Basic plan, upgrade to Pro for more power, or go Business for team collaboration, there’s something for everyone. The Enterprise option is there if you’re a big player, but most folks will find Pro or Business plenty. Plus, that student discount is a nice touch!
So, what do you think? Ready to give Otter.ai a spin? It’s a handy tool that can save you time and stress. Pick a plan, try it out, and let us know how it goes!
Disclaimer: This blog is based on information available as of March 1, 2025. Pricing and features might change, so always check Otter.ai’s official website for the latest details before deciding. Happy transcribing!
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