Aiko
AI-powered on-device audio transcription tool for macOS, iOS, and visionOS.
Pricing
About Aiko
Aiko is an AI-powered audio transcription app developed by Sindre Sorhus that converts speech to text using OpenAI's Whisper model. The transcription runs entirely on your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive recordings. Available as a Universal Purchase across macOS, iOS, and visionOS, Aiko supports audio in 100 languages and integrates with Apple Shortcuts for automation. The app is designed for professionals who need to transcribe meetings, lectures, and other audio content while maintaining data privacy. Aiko uses different Whisper model sizes depending on the platform—the large v2 model on macOS and medium or small models on iOS based on available device memory. Users can try the full app free for 14 days via TestFlight before purchasing through the App Store. One limitation is that Aiko does not include built-in batch transcription, though this capability can be achieved through custom Shortcuts workflows. Additionally, the Whisper model sometimes produces transcriptions with missing punctuation, which requires post-processing through external tools like ChatGPT.
At a glance
- Company
- Sindre Sorhus
- Platforms
- macOS, iOS, visionOS
- API
- Not available
- Integrations
- Apple Shortcuts
- Last verified
- July 2026
Who It's For
- •Professionals requiring private audio transcription
- •Journalists and content creators
- •Students and academics
- •Business users in sensitive industries
- •Apple ecosystem users seeking privacy-first transcription
How It Works
- 1Captures audio input from your device microphone or imported audio files
- 2Processes the audio using OpenAI's Whisper model running locally on your device
- 3Converts speech to text in over 100 supported languages
- 4Displays the transcription within the Aiko app interface
- 5Supports integration with Apple Shortcuts for custom automation workflows
How to Use Aiko
- 1Open the Aiko app on macOS, iOS, or visionOS
- 2Record audio directly within the app or import audio files
- 3The app automatically transcribes the audio using the local Whisper model
- 4Copy the transcribed text for use in other applications
- 5Use custom Shortcuts to automate transcription workflows, such as batch processing or direct sharing to Notes
Key Features
- •On-device transcription using OpenAI's Whisper model
- •Support for 100+ languages
- •Complete privacy - transcription happens locally on your device
- •Universal Purchase across macOS, iOS, and visionOS
- •Integration with Apple Shortcuts for automation
- •Multiple Whisper model options (large v2 on macOS, medium/small on iOS)
- •Supports various audio file formats
- •English translation capability
- •Customizable transcription prompts to improve accuracy
- •Export transcriptions as subtitles (SRT format)
Use Cases
- •Transcribing business meetings and conference calls
- •Converting lecture recordings to text for study materials
- •Transcribing podcasts and media content
- •Processing sensitive audio recordings with privacy concerns
- •Creating accessible transcripts from voice memos and audio files
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- •Complete privacy with on-device processing—transcriptions never leave your device
- •Supports 100+ languages with no subscription or ongoing fees after purchase
- •Seamless Apple ecosystem integration including Shortcuts for powerful automation
- •Free 14-day full trial via TestFlight with no auto-charges
Disadvantages
- •No built-in batch transcription support; requires manual Shortcuts configuration
- •Whisper model occasionally produces transcriptions with missing punctuation requiring post-processing
- •iOS app requires the app to remain open during transcription, limiting background functionality
Alternatives
See all Aiko alternatives →- Audie AI
- Cleanvoice AI
- Auphonic
- Otter.ai
- Apple Transcription
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aiko?
Aiko is an AI-powered audio transcription app developed by Sindre Sorhus that converts speech to text using OpenAI's Whisper model. The transcription runs entirely on your device, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive recordings.
How much does Aiko cost?
Aiko has paid plans starting at $22. A free trial is available.
Is Aiko free?
Aiko is a paid tool, but it offers a free trial.
What are the best Aiko alternatives?
Popular Aiko alternatives include Audie AI, Cleanvoice AI, Auphonic.
What is Aiko used for?
Aiko is commonly used for Transcribing business meetings and conference calls, Converting lecture recordings to text for study materials, Transcribing podcasts and media content.
Does Aiko have an API?
No, Aiko does not currently offer a public API.
What platforms does Aiko support?
Aiko is available on macOS, iOS, visionOS.
Information Accuracy
Please note: While we regularly update all tool information including descriptions, features, pricing, and other details, this information may change over time as tools evolve and update their offerings. For the most current and accurate information, we recommend visiting the official website directly. Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions.