Digital meeting assistants such as Read AI, Fireflies.ai, Fathom, and Granola are designed to capture and transcribe virtual meetings. However, for in-person gatherings or more flexible solutions, a growing number of users are turning to physical recording devices. These hardware notetakers use AI to transcribe audio and provide users with meeting summaries and action items.

Some models are wearable, designed as pins or pendants with built-in microphones for recording. Others are compact, credit-card-sized devices that pair with dedicated mobile apps to transcribe audio and extract insights using artificial intelligence. A select few even provide live translation capabilities. What follows is a curated overview of several physical AI notetakers and transcription tools available on the market.

**Plaud Note/Plaud Note Pro**

This credit card-sized recorder debuted in 2023. An enhanced, AI-powered Pro version features a small screen, four microphones, and can capture audio from a distance of three to five meters. It also offers the flexibility to switch between recording in-person conversations and phone calls.

The standard Plaud Note is priced at $159, while the Note Pro costs $179. Both include 300 minutes of complimentary transcription each month.

**Mobvoi TicNote**

Priced at $159, Mobvoi's rectangular notetaker comes with 600 free transcription minutes. The manufacturer states the device provides real-time transcription and translation, supporting over 120 languages. With its three microphones, it is capable of up to 25 hours of continuous recording.

On the software side, the TicNote can automatically extract highlights and generate summarized audio clips or podcast-style versions of conversations.

**Comulytic Note Pro**

Comulytic is a more recent addition to the hardware AI notetaker space. The company differentiates its $159 Note Pro by stating that basic transcription does not require any additional subscription. This means purchasing the device alone grants unlimited transcription minutes.

The device can record continuously for up to 45 hours on a single charge and boasts a standby time exceeding 100 days. For advanced features like instant AI summaries, unlimited summary templates, action item lists, and unrestricted access to an AI assistant chat, the company offers a premium plan at $15 monthly or $119 annually.

**Plaud NotePin/Plaud NotePin S**

The Plaud NotePin and NotePin S are smaller, more portable versions of the company's larger Note devices. The NotePin features a versatile design, allowing it to be worn as a wristband or pendant, clipped to a bag, or attached to clothing with a magnetic accessory. It is important to note that the lanyard and wristband are exclusive to the NotePin S model.

Both devices are equipped with two microphones and can record approximately 20 hours of audio continuously on one charge. The NotePin S includes a physical button to start and stop recordings and to mark highlights. Their pricing aligns with their credit-card-shaped counterparts, with the NotePin at $159 and the NotePin S at $179.

**Omi Pendant**

The Omi pendant presents a more affordable option at $89. Its lower cost is due to the device requiring a connection to a smartphone and having no onboard memory. It features two microphones and offers a battery life of 10 to 14 hours per charge.

While Omi provides its own application, the hardware and software are open-source, allowing use with other apps. Users have also developed various custom connectors and applications for the device.

**Viaim RecDot**

Viaim's earbuds enable transcription during calls, with additional recording functionality housed in the earbuds' charging case. Priced at $200, Viaim claims the buds can transcribe audio in real-time across up to 78 languages. The companion app can also identify and highlight key points within transcriptions.

**Anker Soundcore Work**

Anker's Soundcore Work is a coin-sized AI notetaker accompanied by a puck-shaped battery pack. The company states the $159 device can record uninterrupted for eight hours, or for up to 32 hours when the pin is attached to its case.

Anker claims the device has an effective recording range of five meters. Users receive 300 minutes of free transcription per month.