Otter.ai is one of the most popular transcription tools, but it’s not the only option. Indian teams often look for better pricing, UPI-friendly payments, or tools with local support. If you’re exploring beyond Otter, here are eight solid alternatives you can try — each with its own strengths and caveats.
Key Takeaways
- Many transcription tools now support India billing and GST invoices.
- Some offer native UPI or Razorpay checkout, unlike Otter.ai.
- Features vary — some excel at accuracy, others at integration with Zoom, Meet, or Teams.
- Always test with your own accent and network conditions before buying.
India Snapshot
- Pricing: Most tools charge between ₹500–₹1,500 per month for individuals.
- GST Invoice: Almost all issue compliant invoices on request.
- Payments: A few accept UPI and EMI via Razorpay or PayU. Others still card-only.
- Support: Global tools may have U.S. hours; Indian players often offer WhatsApp support.
- Latency: U.S./EU servers dominate, but Indian accents are handled well by newer AI engines.
8 Alternatives to Otter.ai
1. Fireflies.ai
Pick this if you want deep meeting integrations with Zoom and Google Meet. Good for Indian SMEs with frequent client calls.
2. Sonix
Best for teams that want multi-language transcription. Works well for Hindi and regional accents.
3. Rev
Great accuracy for English calls but priced on the higher side. Use if accuracy is more important than budget.
4. Trint
Best for journalists and creators who need both transcription and editing tools.
5. Happy Scribe
Supports multiple Indian languages. Flexible pay-as-you-go pricing in INR.
6. Fireflies (Indian Data Center Beta)
Emerging option for data locality. Worth testing if your clients insist on India-only storage.
7. Microsoft Teams Transcription
If your company already uses Office 365, this comes bundled. Works seamlessly for internal calls.
8. Google Meet Captions + Transcripts (via Docs add-ons)
Simple and free for basic needs. Accuracy depends on accent clarity.
Comparison Table
| Tool | Starting INR | Why Pick It | India Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fireflies.ai | ~₹900/mo | Deep integrations with Zoom/Meet | Card-only billing |
| Sonix | ~₹1,200/mo | Multi-language support | Support in U.S. hours |
| Rev | ~₹1,600/mo | High accuracy human + AI transcripts | Expensive for India use |
| Trint | ~₹1,300/mo | Built-in editing for creators | Learning curve |
| Happy Scribe | ~₹800/mo | Indian language support, INR billing | Limited features vs rivals |
| Fireflies (IN) | Beta Pricing | India data center option | Still limited rollout |
| MS Teams | Bundled | Comes with Office 365 | Only inside Teams calls |
| Google Meet | Free | Basic captions and transcripts | Accuracy varies |
Pros and Cons of Switching from Otter.ai
Pros:
- More payment options (UPI/INR billing in some cases).
- Wider language support including Indian tongues.
- Some tools include editing and integrations Otter lacks.
Cons:
- Otter still has one of the cleanest dashboards.
- Some rivals cost more for Indian users.
- Support hours often mismatch India time.
Quick Checklist Before You Switch
- Confirm if the tool issues GST invoice.
- Check if UPI or Razorpay payment is accepted.
- Test accuracy with your team’s accent.
- Review storage caps and export formats.
- See if links are secure (password protection, expiry).
- Try the free trial before committing.
Otter.ai is a strong choice, but Indian teams may prefer rivals that support UPI, GST, and local languages. The best pick depends on whether you value accuracy, integrations, or billing convenience.
