Krisp vs Fathom
Fathom is popular for one big reason: a genuinely generous free AI note-taker. Krisp (opens in a new tab) is popular for a different one: the best plug-and-play noise cancellation. They overlap on notes, but the core job is different, so the right pick depends on what bothers you most on calls.
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| Feature | Krisp | Fathom |
|---|---|---|
| Core strength | Bidirectional noise cancellation | Free AI meeting notes |
| Removes background noise | Yes, both directions | No |
| How it records | Bot-free | A bot joins the meeting |
| Transcription | 17 languages | Strong, searchable |
| Notes depth | Good summaries and action items | Deep, with highlights and CRM sync |
| Free option | 7-day free trial, full access | Generous free notes |
Choose Krisp if…
Background noise is the thing wrecking your calls, and you would rather not have a bot join. Krisp cleans noise both ways and records bot-free. The notes come along for the ride.
Choose Fathom if…
You mainly want free, polished meeting notes with highlights and CRM sync, and noise is not your problem. Fathom's free note-taking is hard to beat on that axis.
Or use both
Run Krisp (opens in a new tab) for clean audio and bot-free capture, and Fathom where you want its free notes workflow. They do not conflict.
The Verdict
Fathom's free note-taker is genuinely generous, and if free notes are all you are after, take it. But it does nothing for noise, and it joins some calls as a visible bot. Krisp cleans your audio in both directions with no bot at all. If clean, private calls matter to you, Krisp is the better home base, and Fathom can bolt on later for notes.
Pros
- Krisp: best noise cancellation, bot-free, works on any app
Cons
- Fathom: no noise cancellation and a bot joins, but excellent free notes
FAQ
No. Fathom is a note-taker, not a noise-cancellation tool. Cleaning your audio, in both directions, is what Krisp does.
It depends on the need. Fathom is excellent for free notes. Krisp is the better choice if your problem is background noise, and its 7-day free trial lets you test the noise cancellation before paying.
Related comparisons
Still comparing note-takers? These help:
- All Krisp alternatives: the full shortlist.
- Krisp vs Fireflies: bot-free audio versus deep notes.
- Krisp vs tl;dv: free recording and notes compared.
- What Krisp costs: plans and the free tier.