Craft vs Otter.ai: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Craft and Otter.ai comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Craft
Beautiful documents and notes
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.5/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • You need note-taking features specifically
- • Beautiful notes app for Apple
- • Block-based document editing
Otter.ai
AI meeting notes and transcription
Best for you if:
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • AI meeting assistant and transcription
- • Real-time transcription for meetings
| At a Glance |  Craft |  Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Note-Taking | Transcription |
Rating | 85/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | Craft | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Note-TakingWriting Apps | TranscriptionAI Assistants |
Understanding the Differences
Both Craft and Otter.ai solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Craft positions itself as "beautiful documents and notes" while Otter.aifocuses on "ai meeting notes and transcription". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Craft
Craft makes sense if you're looking for a budget-friendly option with a free tier solution. With a score of 85/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Otter.ai
Otter.ai is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
When every dollar counts, Craft lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Craft
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Craft handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Craft
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Both have enterprise tiers—compare their security features.
We'd pick: Craft
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Tight budget? Start free with Craft, upgrade when you're ready.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Craft higher (85/100). But the community has upvoted Otter.ai more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Craft Does Better
- Higher overall score (85/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Otter.ai If
- You want to start free and scale later
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Craft (85/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Craft scores higher in our analysis, but Otter.ai might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craft or Otter.ai better?
Based on our analysis, Craft scores higher with 85/100. Craft isfreemium while Otter.ai is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Craft to Otter.ai easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Craft and Otter.ai offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Craft is freemium with a free tier.Otter.ai is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.