Fathom vs Dropbox Paper: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Fathom and Dropbox Paper 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:
Fathom
AI notetaker that summarizes your meetings so you can focus on the conversation.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need communication features specifically
Dropbox Paper
Collaborative documents by Dropbox
Best for you if:
- • You need productivity features specifically
| At a Glance |  Fathom | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Communication | Productivity |
Rating | 88/100 | —/100 |
| Feature | Fathom | Dropbox Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 88 | — |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 161 |
| Categories | CommunicationAI & Automation | ProductivityCommunication |
Understanding the Differences
Both Fathom and Dropbox Paper solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Fathom positions itself as "ai notetaker that summarizes your meetings so you can focus on the conversation." while Dropbox Paperfocuses on "collaborative documents by dropbox". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Fathom
Fathom makes sense if you're looking for a completely free solution. With a score of 88/100, it's our top pick in this comparison.
When to Choose Dropbox Paper
Dropbox Paper 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, Fathom lets you get started without pulling out your credit card.
We'd pick: Fathom
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Fathom handles scale better in our testing.
We'd pick: Fathom
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: Fathom
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Nothing at all? Fathom is completely free.
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 Fathom higher (88/100). But the community has upvoted Dropbox Paper more (161 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Fathom Does Better
- Higher overall score (88/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Dropbox Paper 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 Fathom (88/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Fathom scores higher in our analysis, but Dropbox Paper 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 Fathom or Dropbox Paper better?
Based on our analysis, Fathom scores higher with 88/100. Fathom isfree while Dropbox Paper 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 Fathom to Dropbox Paper 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 Fathom and Dropbox Paper offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Fathom is completely free.Dropbox Paper is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.