Granola functions as an AI notepad that runs locally on Mac computers, capturing meeting audio without requiring bots while allowing users to jot down brief notes that get enhanced into structured summaries afterward. It works across all meeting platforms through system audio capture and offers customizable templates for different meeting types. Users appreciate its "set and forget" approach and clean interface, though it's currently limited to Mac-only with no mobile app support.

Granola works well for professionals who want minimal manual note-taking but still desire personalized meeting documentation. The tool suits individual contributors and small teams who primarily use Mac computers and don't mind desktop-only access. However, its limited platform availability and basic integrations may restrict its usefulness for teams requiring broader compatibility or workflow automation.

Krisp originally focused on real-time noise cancellation but has evolved into a meeting assistant that combines audio enhancement with transcription and AI summaries. It excels at removing background noise while simultaneously capturing and structuring meeting content, making it valuable for remote workers in noisy environments. The tool works across virtually all communication apps and offers strong language support with 90+ languages available.

Krisp appeals to remote workers, call center employees, and anyone needing both clearer audio quality and automatic meeting documentation. Its combination of noise cancellation and note-taking features makes it particularly suitable for professionals in challenging audio environments. While it offers more integrations than some alternatives, both Krisp and similar tools still fall short of providing the deep workflow integrations and actionable follow-up capabilities that would truly help users maximize their meeting outcomes.

Comparison table

What users say about Granola and Krisp

User reviews for Granola are overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising its focused approach to meeting productivity. According to G2 reviews, users appreciate that "Granola nails exactly what I need: clean, reliable meeting transcripts and smart follow-up summaries without any fluff." The platform has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from users who value its streamlined functionality for call management. A detailed honest review after 20+ meetings provides deeper insights into both the strengths and potential limitations of the platform.

Krisp receives generally positive feedback from users, though with some mixed sentiments across different review platforms. G2 community reviews highlight that "Krisp is a game-changer when it comes to maintaining audio clarity during calls" and users particularly appreciate its effective feature development. Trustpilot reviews describe it as "game changing and affordable," with users valuing the AI notes and task summaries for managing meeting deliverables. Reddit discussions emphasize its excellent noise cancellation capabilities, with users noting that "Krisp is great, you can clap right next to the mic and it won't register it."

Platform compatibility issues drive many users away from Granola. The tool is currently Mac-only, with Windows support being one of the most commonly requested features. Additionally, Granola lacks mobile apps for iOS and Android, limiting users to accessing their notes through the desktop application or web interface only. This restriction becomes particularly problematic for users who need to reference their meeting notes while on the go or who work across multiple devices.

Audio capture limitations present another significant barrier for users. Since Granola relies on capturing system audio from the user's device, it may not function properly in certain meeting room setups or when using specific hardware configurations where audio isn't played through the system. This technical dependency can make the tool unreliable in various meeting environments, forcing users to seek alternatives that work consistently across different audio setups.

The pricing structure after the initial trial period also prompts user churn. While Granola offers 25 free meetings as a trial, there is no ongoing free tier available once those credits are exhausted. Users must commit to paying $18 per month for the individual plan to continue using the service, which some find expensive compared to alternatives that offer permanent free tiers or more flexible pricing options. This lack of a free option for occasional users can drive away those who don't have sufficient meeting volume to justify the monthly subscription cost.

Users often switch away from Krisp due to technical performance issues that interfere with their meeting experience. The most significant concern is audio quality problems, where Krisp occasionally distorts the speaker's voice or clips words, particularly when trying to cancel very loud background noises. This voice distortion can directly impact transcription accuracy, defeating the purpose of having clear meeting notes. Additionally, users report high CPU usage when Krisp is active, which can slow down their computers during important calls.

The pricing structure and limitations create another barrier for users considering long-term adoption. While Krisp offers a free tier, it restricts noise cancellation to just 60 minutes per day and limits users to only 2 meeting summaries daily. For professionals with back-to-back meetings, these constraints quickly become problematic. Some users also find the Pro version pricing relatively high, especially if they only need one of Krisp's main features rather than the full package of noise cancellation and meeting notes.

Customer support concerns further drive users to seek alternatives. Multiple reviews mention slow response times from Krisp's support team, leaving users frustrated when they encounter technical issues or need assistance. This poor support experience, combined with the technical quirks and pricing limitations, creates a cumulative frustration that pushes users toward more reliable or cost-effective solutions for their meeting and audio needs.

Using Granola

Does Granola work for in-person meetings?

Granola partially works for in-person meetings. The Mac app can capture in-room audio locally, but there's no mobile app available yet (Android/iOS support is coming soon).

Does Granola require a meeting bot to join the meeting?

No, Granola does not require a meeting bot to join the meeting. It runs on your computer and listens to meetings without needing a bot in the call by capturing system audio.

What do users say about the quality of Granola transcriptions?

Users report that Granola produces quality notes and well-organized summaries. They appreciate the "set and forget" note-taking approach, knowing that Granola will deliver quality notes afterward. Users mention that it formats notes exactly how they like it when given proper guidance through templates.

How does Granola help users follow up on action items?

Granola helps with follow-up by structuring meeting notes with sections like "next steps" and offering an AI assistant that can generate follow-up content, such as drafting email summaries of meetings.

Does Granola integrate with software like Hubspot, Salesforce, or Linear?

Granola has limited integrations. It includes calendar sync and Notion export availability. HubSpot integration is currently in beta, but there's no mention of Salesforce or Linear integrations.

Using Krisp

Does Krisp work for in-person meetings?

Yes. Krisp captures any conversation (online or offline) using noise-canceling audio on your device.

Does Krisp require a meeting bot to join the meeting?

No. Krisp records and transcribes meetings locally via the Krisp app without needing a bot and works with any voice app.

What do users say about the quality of Krisp transcriptions?

Users report that Krisp's AI note-taking has been well received, with one user noting the summaries with key points and action items were "extremely accurate," requiring minimal edits. However, some users report that audio quirks can occasionally affect transcription accuracy - Krisp might distort the speaker's voice or clip words, especially when trying to cancel very loud noises.

How does Krisp help users follow up on action items?

Krisp automatically generates meeting notes and summaries that include structured key points and action items. It also allows task delegation in-app as part of its automation features.

Does Krisp integrate with software like Hubspot, Salesforce, or Linear?

Yes, Krisp has native HubSpot CRM integration to push summaries, along with calendar integration for one-click recording.

Looking for alternatives to Granola? Consider tools that offer stronger workflow automation, automated meeting notes, and better meeting automation capabilities. For professionals seeking more comprehensive alternatives, there are solutions that provide deeper integrations and more flexible pricing options.

Another alternative: Circleback

Circleback provides best-in-class AI-powered meeting notes and automations. We support over 100 languages and automatic participant identification in both in-person and online meetings.

• Automatically-identified and assigned action items

• AI-enabled search across all meetings

• Automations with 100+ app integrations

• Industry-leading security with SOC 2 Type II, EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and HIPAA compliance

• Ability to capture both online and in-person meetings with desktop and mobile apps