Autorec vs Zoom's built-in recording
Automatic recording vs a manual one
Zoom's built-in "Record to this Computer" already saves calls to your disk for free, so this is not a privacy comparison; both are local. The differences are scope and automation. Zoom's recorder works only in Zoom, only when the host allows local recording, and only when you remember to press record. It also produces just a video file. Autorec works across Zoom, Teams and Google Meet, detects the call and records on its own, and transcribes the result. If you only ever use Zoom and are fine pressing record, Zoom's option is free and fine. If you want it automatic and across all three platforms, that is Autorec.
Side by side
| Autorec | Zoom's built-in recording | |
|---|---|---|
| How it records | Captures the meeting window from your desktop | You start and stop the recording yourself |
| Where recordings live | Your disk only, never uploaded | Your disk |
| Transcription | On-device with whisper.cpp, writes .txt and .srt | None built in |
| Visible in the call | No, nothing extra appears in the call | No |
| Pricing | €20 once per major version, free tier available | Included with Zoom |
| Works offline | Yes, recording and transcription run locally | Yes |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows (macOS in development) | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Team features | No, single-user; no shared library or admin | No |
Pricing and features for Zoom's built-in recording last checked 2026-05-22. Vendor pricing changes; check their site for the current number.
Which one fits you
Choose Autorec if
You want calls recorded automatically without pressing a button, you use Teams or Google Meet as well as Zoom, or you want recordings transcribed. Autorec detects the meeting on any of the three platforms, records it, and writes a local transcript and summary.
Choose Zoom's built-in recording if
You only ever meet on Zoom, you are the host or have permission to record locally, and you do not mind pressing record yourself. Zoom's built-in recording is free, already installed, and good enough for that. There is no reason to add a tool.
What it costs over time
Zoom's local recording is included with Zoom at no extra cost, so there is no price to compare. What it does not include is the rest: it works in Zoom only, it depends on the host enabling local recording, it needs you to press record, and it produces no transcript. Autorec is €20 once per major version. That buys cross-platform coverage, automatic start and stop, and an on-device transcript and summary. If Zoom is your only platform and you never forget to record, the free option is enough.
Moving off Zoom's built-in recording
Zoom's local recordings are already plain video files on your disk, so there is nothing to export or convert. Leave them where they are. Install Autorec and it takes over automatic capture for Zoom, Teams and Meet; you can stop using Zoom's record button, or keep it as a backup. Nothing breaks either way.
Common questions
Zoom can already record locally. Why use Autorec?
Zoom's recorder is Zoom-only, needs the host to allow local recording, needs you to press record, and gives you no transcript. Autorec records Zoom, Teams and Meet automatically and transcribes the result on-device. If Zoom is your only platform and you never forget to record, you may not need Autorec.
Does Autorec transcribe Zoom calls?
Yes. After recording, Autorec runs whisper.cpp on-device and writes a .txt transcript and an .srt subtitle file, plus an optional AI summary. Zoom's local recording produces only a video file.
Can Autorec record Teams and Google Meet too?
Yes. Autorec detects and records Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. Zoom's built-in recording obviously only covers Zoom.
Does Autorec need the host's permission like Zoom local recording?
Autorec records the meeting window from your desktop, so it does not depend on Zoom's host setting for local recording. As with any recording, you are still responsible for telling participants and following the consent rules where you are.
Compare Autorec to other tools
Decide for yourself
Record three meetings a day on the free tier, no account and no upload. Buy once for €20 when you are ready.
Download Autorec