LectureScribe vs Otter.ai:
Built for Students
While Otter.ai focuses on business meetings, LectureScribe is designed specifically for academic success. Unlimited transcription, handwriting recognition, and features that help students ace their classes.
Why 50,000+ Students Choose LectureScribe Over Otter.ai
Built for Education
LectureScribe is purpose-built for students. Every feature—from handwriting recognition to markdown export—is designed for academic workflows, not corporate meetings.
Unlimited Free Tier
LectureScribe offers unlimited transcription on the free plan. No 300-minute monthly cap, no 40-minute recording limits. Transcribe all your lectures, all semester long.
Handwriting Recognition
Upload photos of handwritten notes or whiteboard diagrams and convert them to searchable text. Perfect for math, chemistry, and any class with visual content.
Markdown Export
Export your notes in markdown format for use in Notion, Obsidian, or any markdown editor. Perfect for students who use these tools for studying.
Student Pricing
Free tier covers most students. Premium features at student-friendly prices with .edu discounts. No pressure to upgrade for basic functionality.
STEM-Optimized
Special handling for mathematical equations, chemical formulas, and technical terminology. LaTeX support for advanced math courses.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
See exactly how LectureScribe and Otter.ai stack up for student needs
| Feature | LectureScribe | Otter.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Transcription Limit | Unlimited ✓ | 300 min/month |
| Handwriting Recognition (OCR) | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Image-to-Text Conversion | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Markdown Export | ✓ Yes | ✗ Limited |
| LaTeX Equation Support | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Chemical Formula Recognition | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Real-Time Transcription | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Language Support | 58+ languages | English, Spanish, French |
| Transcription Accuracy | Up to 98% | 85-90% |
| Speaker Identification | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Focus | Education & Students | Business Meetings |
| Starting Price (Paid Plans) | Free (Premium available) | $8.33/month |
Why Students Switched from Otter to LectureScribe
"I hit Otter's 300-minute limit in the first week of the semester. LectureScribe's unlimited free plan saved me during finals when I was re-listening to every lecture. The markdown export to Notion is a game-changer."
"Otter couldn't handle the chemical equations my professor wrote on the board. LectureScribe's OCR captures everything from the whiteboard perfectly, and the chemical formula recognition is accurate. My organic chemistry notes have never been better."
"Linear algebra has so many equations written on the board. Otter only got the spoken words, but LectureScribe captures the board work with OCR and even converts it to LaTeX. Perfect for my study notes."
"As an international student, I need transcription in multiple languages for study groups. Otter only supports 3 languages, but LectureScribe handles 58+, including my native Japanese. This helps me understand complex topics better."
Pricing: Student-Friendly from Day One
LectureScribe
- ✓Unlimited transcription
- ✓Handwriting recognition
- ✓Markdown export
- ✓STEM-optimized features
- ✓58+ languages
- ✓No credit card required
Otter.ai Free
- ⚠300 minutes/month limit
- ⚠40-minute max per recording
- ✗No handwriting recognition
- ✗No markdown export
- ✗English, Spanish, French only
- →Upgrade to Pro: $8.33/mo
Common Questions About Switching
Can I import my Otter.ai notes to LectureScribe?
Yes! You can export your transcripts from Otter.ai and import them into LectureScribe. We support multiple import formats to make the transition seamless.
Is LectureScribe really unlimited for free?
Yes, absolutely. Unlike Otter's 300-minute monthly cap, LectureScribe offers unlimited transcription on the free plan. We believe every student deserves access to quality note-taking tools without arbitrary limits during their academic journey.
Does LectureScribe work with Zoom/Teams like Otter?
Yes! LectureScribe integrates with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet for online lectures. You can also upload recordings or use our mobile app for in-person classes.
What makes LectureScribe better for STEM students?
LectureScribe has specialized features for STEM: LaTeX equation support, chemical formula recognition, handwriting OCR for diagrams, and accurate transcription of technical terminology. Otter.ai lacks these academic-focused capabilities.
Can I use both LectureScribe and Otter.ai?
Absolutely! Many students use LectureScribe for lectures and academic work, while keeping Otter.ai for other purposes. There's no exclusivity requirement, and you might find LectureScribe handles your student needs better.
Ready to Switch to a Student-First Alternative?
Join 50,000+ students who chose LectureScribe over Otter.ai for unlimited transcription, handwriting recognition, and features built for academic success.