Choose LongScribe
Post-meeting transcription of authorized saved audio/video and supported public media URLs, without inviting a bot to record a live meeting.
Free: 60 min / 20 jobs monthly · Premium $4.99/month
Fireflies.ai alternative for saved meeting recordings
Upload a saved recording →HONEST COMPARISON · VERIFIED OCTOBER 20, 2026
Which tool is right for your recording?
Choose Fireflies.ai
Capture meetings by a bot or Fireflies Desktop Take Notes without a meeting bot, upload existing recordings, and get meeting notes and integrations. Bot-free system audio does not save separate audio or video files.
For Free accounts registered from September 1, 2026, Auto-join ON unlocks unlimited eligible meeting transcripts; Auto-join OFF defaults to 3 meeting transcriptions. Earlier accounts with unlimited access retain prior limits. Uploads and AI features consume credits, storage is limited, and native transcript downloads require Fireflies Pro or above. LongScribe's job, file-size, usage and source-access limits still apply.
Official vendor references: Fireflies official plans | Fireflies official bot-free Desktop instructions | Fireflies official uploaded file limits | Fireflies Free credits and auto-join policy | Fireflies Auto-join ON/OFF and three-meeting limit | Fireflies paid-plan download requirements. Plans change over time. Compare the linked official sources before choosing.
| Decision | LongScribe | Fireflies.ai |
|---|---|---|
| Primary service | Saved recording transcription after the call | Meeting capture and team notes |
| Join live meetings | No | Yes, for eligible connected meetings |
| Capture without adding a bot | No live capture; transcribe an authorized saved recording | Fireflies Desktop Take Notes captures system audio without a bot; no separate media file saved |
| Saved-file length | Monthly and per-job limits depend on plan and source | MP3/M4A/WAV/MP4/WEBM uploads: 150 minutes max per file; Free imports use transcription credits |
| Free usage | 60 transcription min/month across 20 recordings | Auto-join ON: unlimited eligible meeting transcripts; OFF: 3 meetings by default for new Free accounts |
| Uploaded recordings | Supported within plan and source limits | Uploaded-file transcription consumes a Free transcription credit |
| Download transcript files | TXT, SRT, DOCX, JSON | Fireflies native Download requires Pro or higher |
Fireflies alternative quick answer
For automatic live meeting capture, use Fireflies.ai. For a recording you already have permission to transcribe, LongScribe offers searchable text and document/subtitle exports. These workflows are not identical replacements.
Live meeting assistant versus post-call transcription
Fireflies can join supported online meetings and capture notes automatically. LongScribe does not join calls or record participants live. Export an authorized Zoom/Meet/Teams recording and upload it after the call or use a permitted supported media link.
Fireflies also offers bot-free desktop recording
Fireflies Desktop Take Notes can capture system audio on Mac or Windows without adding a bot to a live meeting. It creates notes and transcripts but does not save separate audio or video media files in this mode. Consent and notification settings still apply. LongScribe does not record calls live.
Both products accept some existing recordings
Fireflies imports MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4 and WEBM with a documented 150 minutes maximum per uploaded file; Free uploads consume transcription credits, and file-size limits vary by plan. LongScribe accepts authorized files or supported accessible public URLs with its own job, file and monthly limits. Choose by the recording and needed export format.
Fireflies Free: Auto-join ON versus OFF
For Free accounts created on or after September 1, 2026, turn Auto-join ON to unlock unlimited transcriptions of eligible meetings. With Auto-join OFF, Fireflies defaults to 3 meeting transcriptions. The Auto-join option to only join when you invite fred@fireflies.ai does not unlock unlimited use. Existing accounts with older unlimited entitlements may retain those limits. Uploaded-media transcription and some summaries consume credits; the separate LongScribe Free plan provides 60 minutes across 20 recordings per month, subject to job and source limits.
Viewing a Fireflies transcript versus downloading a file
A Fireflies Free user can view and search eligible meeting transcripts in Fireflies, but Fireflies' native Download function for transcripts, summaries and meeting recordings requires Pro or a higher paid plan. LongScribe is a separate service for authorized saved recordings and exports completed transcripts as TXT, DOCX, JSON or SRT.
Export a recorded meeting as text or subtitles
Upload a saved authorized recording file or paste a supported accessible public URL. Review proper names, overlapping speech and any private details before exporting DOCX, TXT, JSON or timed SRT subtitles. Speaker labeling requires an eligible LongScribe paid plan.
Meeting notes and sharing permissions
Fireflies Auto-join may capture eligible calendar meetings automatically. Review calendar meeting filters, participant consent notices and recap sharing before enabling it. LongScribe does not join live calls: upload only authorized saved recordings. Check transcript visibility before sharing private details.
Frequently asked questions
Does LongScribe join live meetings like Fireflies?
No. LongScribe transcribes saved, permitted recordings or supported accessible media links after the call.
Can Fireflies record a meeting without adding a bot?
Yes. Fireflies Desktop Take Notes uses system audio without a meeting bot, with transcripts and notes after the call. That mode does not save separate audio or video files. LongScribe instead transcribes an authorized saved file.
Can Fireflies import an MP3 or MP4 recording?
Yes. Fireflies lists MP3, M4A, WAV, MP4 and WEBM uploads, a maximum of 150 minutes per file and plan-specific file-size limits. Free uploads use transcription credits. LongScribe also accepts eligible saved recordings and public links.
Is Fireflies Free unlimited with Auto-join OFF?
No. For Free accounts created since September 1, 2026, Auto-join OFF normally permits 3 meeting transcriptions. Auto-join ON removes that cap for eligible meetings; the invite-only bot option does not unlock unlimited use. Older accounts with previous unlimited access may differ. Uploaded files and some AI features still consume credits.
Can I download Fireflies transcripts on its Free plan?
Fireflies' native Download function for transcripts, summaries and meeting recordings requires Pro or above. Free includes viewing and searching eligible transcripts inside Fireflies; this is different from downloading files. LongScribe exports completed authorized transcriptions as TXT, DOCX, JSON and SRT.
Is LongScribe Free unlimited?
No. The normal Free plan provides 60 transcription minutes across 20 recordings per month, subject to source and job limits.
Can I transcribe a recorded Zoom or Google Meet call?
Yes, if you have permission and an accessible recording file or supported connected source. Private meeting links are not automatically publicly retrievable.
Can I export a Word transcript or SRT subtitles?
Yes. LongScribe exports successful jobs as TXT, DOCX, JSON and SRT.