SceneNote vs Grain: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between SceneNote and Grain 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: Grain wins this matchup. Our overall Video & Media pick is Adobe Premiere Pro. Our free Video & Media pick is iMovie. Pick SceneNote if you need video & media.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
SceneNote
Timestamped video and audio feedback without logins
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Grain requires payment)
- • You want no account required for creators or reviewers, lowering friction
- • You want version stacking is free, normally a paid feature in similar tools
Grain
AI meeting notes and highlights
Best for you if:
- • You want auto highlights
- • You want easy sharing
| At a Glance | SceneNote | Grain |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video & Media | Transcription |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose SceneNote or Grain?
Choose SceneNote if
Timestamped video and audio feedback without logins
- You want a fully free tool (Grain requires payment)
- You want no account required for creators or reviewers, lowering friction
- You want version stacking is free, normally a paid feature in similar tools
- Your work is video & media-shaped, not transcription-shaped
Choose Grain if
AI meeting notes and highlights
- You want auto highlights
- You want easy sharing
- Your work is transcription-shaped, not video & media-shaped
| Feature | SceneNote | Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 313 reviews |
| Categories | Video & MediaAsync Video | TranscriptionVideo & Media |
In-Depth Analysis
SceneNote
Timestamped video and audio feedback without logins
The Free tier is exceptionally generous, offering full core functionality like timestamped comments, annotations, tasks, and versioning with no time limit or user cap, making it one of the best free offerings in the video feedback space.
Watch out
Projects auto-delete after 45 days inactivity
Strengths
- +No account required for creators or reviewers, lowering friction
- +Version stacking is free, normally a paid feature in similar tools
- +Export to editing software as timeline markers saves manual work
Weaknesses
- -Google Drive links may stutter due to high-bitrate streaming
- -Projects auto-delete after 45 days of inactivity, requiring active use to retain
Key features
Grain
AI meeting notes and highlights
Grain's pricing is fair, offering a generous Free tier for basic use.
Watch out
Annual commitment for 25% savings
Strengths
- +Auto highlights
- +Easy sharing
- +Great integrations
Weaknesses
- -Video focused only
- -Premium features costly
Key features
Pricing: SceneNote vs Grain
| Plan | SceneNote | Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $19 /seat/month Starter |
| Tier 3 | N/A | /seat/month Business |
| Tier 4 | N/A | custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on SceneNote pricing and Grain pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
SceneNote is free. Grain is freemium.
Go with: SceneNote
Want the highest-rated option?
Grain is rated 4.7/5. SceneNote has no ratings yet.
Go with: Grain
Value user reviews?
SceneNote: no ratings yet. Grain: 313 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Grain
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
SceneNote is free. Grain is freemium. Go with SceneNote if free matters most.
What's your use case?
SceneNote is a video & media tool. Grain is in transcription. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Grain is rated 4.7/5; SceneNote has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Grain
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
SceneNote
- Completely free
- Better fit for video & media
The Bottom Line
Grain wins this matchup. Our overall Video & Media pick is Adobe Premiere Pro. Our free Video & Media pick is iMovie. That said, SceneNote is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SceneNote or Grain better?
Grain is rated in our evaluation. SceneNote is free and Grain is freemium.
What are SceneNote and Grain used for?
SceneNote: Timestamped video and audio feedback without logins. Grain: AI meeting notes and highlights.
What does SceneNote cost vs Grain?
SceneNote is completely free. Grain is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.