HyNote for Mac vs OBS Studio: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between HyNote for Mac and OBS Studio 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.
Bottom line: OBS Studio is our overall pick for screen recording workflows. Pick HyNote for Mac if you need transcription.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
HyNote for Mac
AI note taker with system-wide recording and real-time transcription for Mac.
Best for you if:
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • Records audio from any Mac app without a bot joining your meeting, ensuring privacy.
- • Provides real-time transcription with up to 99% accuracy, speaker labels, and AI summaries.
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need screen recording features specifically
- • OBS Studio is free software for video recording and live streaming
- • It captures screens, webcams, and audio for broadcasts and recordings
| At a Glance |  HyNote for Mac |  OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Transcription | Screen Recording |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose HyNote for Mac or OBS Studio?
Choose HyNote for Mac if
AI note taker with system-wide recording and real-time transcription for Mac.
- Bot-free recording keeps meetings private and uninterrupted.
- Real-time transcription with high accuracy and speaker labels.
- Works offline on mobile and syncs automatically when reconnected.
- Your work is transcription-shaped, not screen recording-shaped
Choose OBS Studio if
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
- Completely free
- Powerful features
- Huge community
- You want a fully free tool (HyNote for Mac requires payment)
- Your work is screen recording-shaped, not transcription-shaped
| Feature | HyNote for Mac | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 1,206 reviews |
| Categories | TranscriptionNote-Taking | Screen RecordingLive Streaming |
In-Depth Analysis
HyNote for Mac
AI note taker with system-wide recording and real-time transcription for Mac.
Strengths
- +Bot-free recording keeps meetings private and uninterrupted.
- +Real-time transcription with high accuracy and speaker labels.
- +Works offline on mobile and syncs automatically when reconnected.
Weaknesses
- -Free plan limits recording sessions to 120 minutes per session.
- -Advanced features like live translation and CRM integration require paid plans.
Key features
Value 78/100. HyNote's pricing is fair and competitive for a niche AI note-taking tool, with the Free tier offering generous recording limits and the Plus plan at $10.83/month providing strong value for power users.
Watch out: Pro and Plus have 1200 minute monthly caps
OBS Studio
Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software
Strengths
- +Completely free
- +Powerful features
- +Huge community
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Can be resource heavy
Key features
Value 100/100. OBS Studio offers an incredibly generous pricing model as it is 100% free and open-source.
Watch out: Requires user's own hardware
Pricing: HyNote for Mac vs OBS Studio
| Plan | HyNote for Mac | OBS Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0/month or Free Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.66/month or $79.99/year Pro | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $10.83/month or $129.99/year Plus | N/A |
| Tier 4 | $15.83/month or $189.99/year Unlimited | N/A |
| Tier 5 | $15 per seat/month or $180/year Teams | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on HyNote for Mac pricing and OBS Studio pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OBS Studio is free. HyNote for Mac is freemium.
Go with: OBS Studio
Want the highest-rated option?
OBS Studio is rated 4.7/5. HyNote for Mac has no ratings yet.
Go with: OBS Studio
Value user reviews?
HyNote for Mac: no ratings yet. OBS Studio: 1,206 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: OBS Studio
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
HyNote for Mac is freemium. OBS Studio is free. Go with OBS Studio if free matters most.
What's your use case?
HyNote for Mac is a transcription tool. OBS Studio is in screen recording. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
OBS Studio is rated 4.7/5; HyNote for Mac has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
OBS Studio
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
HyNote for Mac
- Better fit for transcription
The Bottom Line
OBS Studio is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HyNote for Mac or OBS Studio better?
OBS Studio is rated in our evaluation. HyNote for Mac is freemium and OBS Studio is free.
What are HyNote for Mac and OBS Studio used for?
HyNote for Mac: AI note taker with system-wide recording and real-time transcription for Mac.. OBS Studio: Record and stream video with powerful, free, open-source software.
What does HyNote for Mac cost vs OBS Studio?
HyNote for Mac is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OBS Studio is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.