By OpenTools · Updated
| Checkpoint | Fathom | Fireflies | Buyer implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free allowance | Unlimited recordings, storage and transcriptions; five advanced summaries/month after the preview | Eligible unlimited auto-join transcription; limited summaries; 20 AI credits; 400 storage minutes | Convert a real month into each provider's counters |
| Capture | Bot, or current Mac/English transcript-only and audio-only bot-free modes | Bot, Chrome extension, mobile, desktop system audio or upload | Pick the mode before comparing plans |
| Record after the call | Recordings, transcripts and clips; pricing lists unlimited downloads but reviewed sources do not specify formats | Desktop no-bot mode keeps transcript and notes without separate audio/video or named speakers | Confirm replay and speaker-label needs |
| Text export | Reviewed official sources do not provide a format matrix | Pro required; PDF, DOCX, SRT, CSV, JSON and Markdown documented | Test the downstream handoff before purchase |
The free plans use different counters
Fathom Free includes unlimited recordings, storage and transcriptions. Its current help page limits advanced summaries to five calls per month after the preview, while the general summary remains available. Fireflies can provide unlimited transcription for eligible auto-joined meetings, but summaries, AI credits, storage and uploaded files have separate limits. Its pricing page and help content conflict on whether the published 400 storage minutes apply per team or per seat, so confirm the workspace allocation.
Choose the capture mode before the plan
Fathom 3.0 documents transcript-only and audio-only bot-free modes plus an audio-and-video bot mode. The current bot-free rollout is limited to Mac and English. Fireflies offers a meeting bot, Chrome extension, mobile app, desktop system audio and uploads. Its desktop system-audio path avoids a bot but does not keep a separate audio/video recording or named speaker labels.
Define the record and export you need
Fathom pricing lists unlimited downloads and clips, but the reviewed official sources do not establish a file-format matrix. Fireflies requires Pro for transcript and recording downloads and documents PDF, DOCX, SRT, CSV, JSON and Markdown for transcript downloads. Verify replay, speaker labels and the destination format with one representative meeting before rolling either tool out.
Compare the full billing term and one real meeting
Provider selectors, annual equivalents and promotions can change. Compare the selected billing term at checkout rather than one headline monthly equivalent. Then test a meeting you are allowed to process and inspect capture, transcript access, replay, speaker handling, summary quality and the downstream handoff. For the wider switching decision, use Otter AI alternatives.
Common questions
Is Fathom or Fireflies better for a free recording workflow?
Fathom publishes unlimited free recordings, storage and transcriptions, with advanced summaries limited to five calls per month after the preview. Fireflies can provide eligible unlimited auto-join transcription but meters summaries, AI credits and storage separately.
Can Fathom and Fireflies capture without a bot?
Yes. Fathom 3.0 documents transcript-only and audio-only bot-free modes for its current Mac and English rollout. Fireflies Desktop captures system audio without its Notetaker but does not retain separate audio/video or named speaker labels in that mode.
Which has clearer transcript downloads?
Fireflies documents that downloads require Pro and lists PDF, DOCX, SRT, CSV, JSON and Markdown for transcripts. The Fathom sources reviewed here list unlimited downloads and clips without a complete format matrix, so verify the format inside the product.
Continue your research
- Otter AI alternatives
Compare Fathom and Fireflies with Otter and Jamie by limits, capture and export.
- Best AI Meeting Note Takers
Compare Fathom, Fireflies and Jamie across the full buyer workflow.
- Fathom
Review the free-forever recording path.
- Fireflies AI
Review credits, storage and system-audio capture.
- Fireflies vs Otter
Compare Fireflies with an Otter workflow built around meeting agents.
Sources and approach
This guide compares documented features and access conditions. It does not present hands-on output tests. Check the provider’s current terms before paying or uploading files.
- Fathom pricingChecked 2026-09-21
- Fathom Free and Premium limitsChecked 2026-09-21
- Fathom 3.0 capture modesChecked 2026-09-21
- Fireflies pricingChecked 2026-09-21
- Fireflies Free planChecked 2026-09-21
- Fireflies eligible unlimited transcriptionChecked 2026-09-21
- Fireflies desktop capture without a botChecked 2026-09-21
- Fireflies transcript and recording downloadsChecked 2026-09-21