Whether you’re a student, interviewer or business professional, the struggle of note-taking can be alleviated with an AI notetaker. These devices promise to transcribe and summarize conversations in real time, making the process much more efficient.

The top contenders include the Soundcore, SpeakON, Looki, Flowtica, Vocci and iFLYTEK models, each with its own unique features such as translation capabilities and different subscription plans. The AI notetakers from companies like Omi, Boya, Mobvoi, and SwitchBot are also on our radar for future testing.

While the concept is simple—drop the device in earshot of your conversation partner and tap a button—a world of possibilities opens up with these gadgets. Some models can even translate foreign languages, making global collaboration easier. However, the cost of subscription plans varies, ranging from $15 to $30 per month on top of the hardware price.

Physical devices are handy for complex situations where you need to capture distant voices or use your phone for other tasks. Apps like Bluedot and Otter.ai can also transcribe notes from your phone or computer, making it easier to manage meetings from anywhere.