tldv offers solid AI meeting recording with accurate transcriptions and an intuitive interface, backed by a generous free plan. However, it faces limitations with platform support, internet dependency, and some privacy concerns that may deter certain users. While it claims thousands of integrations and AI agents for automation, the actual depth of these connections and their ability to streamline post-meeting workflows appears limited.

tldv works best for sales teams and remote workers who primarily use supported platforms like Zoom and Teams for virtual meetings. The CRM integrations make it particularly appealing to sales professionals who need basic meeting documentation. However, users seeking comprehensive meeting follow-up automation or in-person meeting support may find the tool lacking.

Granola takes a different approach as an AI notepad that captures system audio without requiring meeting bots, appealing to users who prefer discretion. Its strength lies in combining manual note-taking with AI enhancement to produce well-organized summaries, though it's currently limited to Mac users only. The platform restrictions and minimal integrations limit its utility for teams needing broader connectivity and automated workflows.

Granola suits individual contributors and Mac-using professionals who attend frequent virtual meetings across various platforms and prefer a hands-off approach to note-taking. The tool works well for consultants, researchers, and knowledge workers who value privacy and simplicity over extensive automation. However, teams requiring cross-platform support, mobile access, or robust integrations to actually execute on meeting outcomes will likely find it insufficient for their needs.

Comparison table

What users say about tldv and Granola

Users have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about tldv based on extended real-world usage. One reviewer reported an absolutely positive experience with tl;dv during their review, praising its robust features that automate online meetings from start to finish after using the platform for over 18 months. The comprehensive nature of tldv's automation capabilities appears to be a major strength that users consistently appreciate in their day-to-day meeting workflows.

Granola receives praise from users for its streamlined approach to meeting documentation and follow-up processes. According to user feedback, Granola makes transcriptions and follow ups "a breeze" and produces clean, reliable meeting records that users find highly valuable. However, some reviewers question whether the tool justifies its cost, with detailed analysis examining if it's really worth the price and where it falls short in the current competitive landscape.

One significant reason users switch away from tldv is due to its limited platform support. While tldv offers certain capabilities through its desktop app for specific platforms like Zoom and Teams, users often find themselves constrained by the scope of supported meeting platforms and operating systems. This limitation becomes particularly frustrating for organizations or individuals who need to participate in meetings across various platforms or use systems that aren't fully supported by tldv's current infrastructure.

Another major concern that drives users to seek alternatives is tldv's dependence on internet quality for optimal performance. Since tldv relies heavily on cloud-based processing for its AI meeting recording, transcription, and summarization features, users with unstable or slower internet connections experience degraded service quality. This dependency creates reliability issues, especially for users who need consistent performance regardless of their network conditions, making local processing alternatives more appealing for those seeking greater stability and control over their meeting documentation process.

Privacy concerns also play a crucial role in user decisions to move away from tldv. Users become increasingly uncomfortable with cloud-based processing of sensitive meeting content, particularly in business environments where confidential information is regularly discussed. The need to upload meeting data to external servers for AI processing raises questions about data security, compliance requirements, and control over sensitive information. This concern becomes especially pronounced for organizations with strict data governance policies or those operating in regulated industries where maintaining complete control over meeting recordings and transcriptions is essential.

Users commonly switch away from Granola due to platform limitations, particularly its Mac-only availability. Being restricted to macOS desktop means Windows users and those who rely on mobile devices cannot access the service, creating significant barriers for teams with diverse operating systems. The lack of mobile apps further compounds this issue, as users who need to take meeting notes on the go or prefer the flexibility of mobile access find themselves unable to use Granola effectively.

The absence of a free tier after the initial 25-meeting trial also drives users away. While Granola offers those free meetings upfront, users must commit to an $18 monthly subscription for continued access, which can be prohibitive for occasional users or those evaluating multiple note-taking solutions. This paywall approach differs from competitors that offer ongoing free tiers, making Granola less accessible for budget-conscious users or those with lighter meeting schedules.

Integration limitations represent another key reason for switching, as Granola's ecosystem connectivity remains quite basic compared to alternatives. With limited integrations beyond basic calendar sync and Notion export, users who rely heavily on CRM systems, project management tools, or other business applications find Granola insufficient for their workflow needs. The lack of advanced automation features also disappoints users who expect their meeting tools to seamlessly connect with their broader tech stack, leading them to consider alternatives to Granola.

Using tldv

Does tldv work for in-person meetings?

No, tldv does not work for in-person meetings.

What do users say about the quality of tldv transcriptions?

Users report that tldv provides accurate transcriptions.

How does tldv help users follow up on action items?

tldv uses AI agents for recording, note-taking, and CRM logging to help with automation and follow-up tasks.

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

Yes, tldv integrates with HubSpot, Notion, Salesforce, and over 5,000 other applications.

Using Granola

Does Granola work for in-person meetings?

Partially. Granola can capture in-room audio locally through its Mac app, making it suitable for some in-person meeting scenarios. However, since there's no mobile app yet, you're limited to using it on a Mac computer.

Does Granola require a meeting bot to join the meeting?

No, Granola does not require a meeting bot to join the meeting. It runs locally on your computer and captures system audio directly, working discreetly without any meeting intrusion.

What do users say about the quality of Granola transcriptions?

Users report high-quality transcriptions and well-organized summaries. They appreciate the "set and forget" note-taking approach, knowing that Granola will produce quality notes afterward. Users also praise how it formats notes "exactly how you like it" when given proper guidance through templates.

How does Granola help users follow up on action items?

Granola structures meeting notes into organized sections including "next steps" and offers an AI assistant that can help generate follow-up content, such as drafting email summaries of meetings. It also provides customizable note templates to fit different meeting types.

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

Granola has limited integrations compared to some other tools. It includes calendar sync and Notion export capabilities. HubSpot integration is currently in beta. There's no mention of Salesforce or Linear integrations in the available information.

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