kitio.aiAiko vs Soundwise
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Aiko starts at $24 one-time and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Local Whisper transcription
- About 100 languages
- Mac, iOS and visionOS apps
- Shortcuts support
- No data collection
- Unlimited local transcription
- Cloud transcription on Pro
- Many audio and video formats
- Multi-format export
- No sign-up for free use
| Feature | Aiko | Soundwise |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | On-device transcription app for Mac, iPhone and Vision Pro | Browser transcription for audio and video, free when run locally |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Free trial | Freemium |
| Starting price | $24 one-time | $20/mo |
| Free plan | No, trial available | Yes |
| Made by | Sindre Sorhus | joyin LLC |
| Based in | – | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
Aiko starts at $24 one-time and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Unlimited local transcription
- Runs in your browser
- Slower processing
Pro
$20/mo
- Unlimited cloud transcription
- About 30 seconds per audio hour
- Multi-format export
- Unlimited cloud storage
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Aiko
- Audio never leaves your device
- One-time price, no subscription
- Uses the large Whisper model on Mac
- Apple platforms only
- Smaller models on iPhone can be less accurate
- Quality drops for some languages
Soundwise
- Free tier has no usage limit
- Runs in the browser
- Fast cloud option at a low price
- Free mode is slow and needs the tab open
- Accounts can't be shared
- Few editing tools beyond transcripts
Which one should you choose?
Choose Aiko if you want:
- Audio never leaves your device
- One-time price, no subscription
- Uses the large Whisper model on Mac
Watch out: apple platforms only.
Choose Soundwise if you want:
- Free tier has no usage limit
- Runs in the browser
- Fast cloud option at a low price
Watch out: free mode is slow and needs the tab open.
Aiko vs Soundwise FAQ
What is the difference between Aiko and Soundwise?
Aiko: On-device transcription app for Mac, iPhone and Vision Pro. Soundwise: Browser transcription for audio and video, free when run locally. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is Aiko or Soundwise cheaper?
Aiko starts at $24 one-time and Soundwise starts at $20/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Aiko and Soundwise have free plans?
Aiko: No, trial available. Soundwise: Yes.
Who makes Aiko?
Aiko is made by Sindre Sorhus.
Who makes Soundwise?
Soundwise is made by joyin LLC, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Aiko or Soundwise?
Choose Aiko if you value audio never leaves your device and one-time price, no subscription. Choose Soundwise if you value free tier has no usage limit and runs in the browser.