Digital meeting note-taking tools like Read AI, Fireflies.ai, Fathom, and Granola can help you record and transcribe online meetings. However, for in-person or more versatile options, many people prefer physical recording devices. These physical note takers transcribe audio and use AI to provide meeting summaries and action items to users.
Some of these devices are wearable (such as pins or pendants) with dedicated microphones for recording, while others are credit card-sized with dedicated mobile apps that use AI to transcribe and extract insights. Some even offer live translation.
The following is not a complete list of physical AI note taking and transcription tools.
Proud Note/Proud Note Pro
This credit card-sized notepad has been around since 2023, and the new AI-powered Pro version has a smaller screen, four microphones, and records audio within 3 to 5 meters. You can also switch between face-to-face recording and call recording.
The Plaud Note costs $159 and the Note Pro costs $179. Get 300 minutes of free transcription every month.
Mobu Boi Tik Note
Mobvi’s rectangular note-taker costs $159 and includes 600 minutes of free transcription. According to the company, the device supports over 120 languages and displays real-time transcription and translation. This device provides 25 hours of continuous recording through three microphones.
In terms of software features, TicNote offers automatic extraction of highlights and the ability to create audio clips or condensed podcast versions of conversations.
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Comlitic Note Pro
Comulytic is a new entrant to the hardware AI note-taker market. The company’s differentiating claim is that the $159 Note Pro device requires no additional subscription for basic transcription. This means you can transcribe an unlimited number of minutes just by purchasing the device.
The device can record up to 45 hours of continuous audio on a single charge and has over 100 days of standby time.
The company offers an Advanced plan for $15 per month or $119 per year, which offers instant AI summaries, unlimited summary templates, action item lists, and unlimited chats with AI assistants.
PROUD Note Pin/PROUD Note Pin S
The Plaud NotePin and NotePin S are smaller, more pocketable versions of the company’s larger Note and Note Pro devices. NotePin has a versatile design. Wear it as a wristband or pendant, clip it to your bag, or use the magnetic attachment to wear it on your shirt. Notably, the strap and wristband are only available on the NotePin S.
Both devices feature two microphones and can record approximately 20 hours of continuous audio on a single charge. NotePin S has physical buttons to start/stop recording and capture highlights.
Both are priced similarly to their credit card counterparts. NotePin costs $159 and NotePin S costs $179.
omi pendant
The Omi pendant is a cheaper alternative to other note takers at $89. This is because the pendant must be connected to your phone and has no onboard memory. The device has two microphones and can last 10 to 14 hours on a single charge.
Omi has its own app, but since the hardware and software are open source, you can also use other apps. Users have also built various connectors and apps for their devices.
Via RecDot
Viaim’s earbuds allow transcription during calls, and the earbud case has additional recording capabilities. These buds cost $200, and Viaim claims they can transcribe audio in up to 78 languages in real time. The company’s app can also highlight important points in the transcription.
anchor sound core works
Anker’s Soundcore Work pin is a coin-sized AI note taker with a puck-shaped battery pack. The company says the $159 device can record for eight hours without a break, or up to 32 hours if a pin is attached to the case.
Anker claims the device has a recording range of 5 meters. Users get 300 minutes of transcription for free each month.
