Plaud alternative: Potok compared

By the Potok teamUpdated ~2 min read

First check the language list: Plaud states 112 languages, while Potok covers about 30 with good published results. Plaud lets you export recordings, transcripts and summaries without naming the formats; Potok lists TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT and accepts a single file up to 2 GB in its Telegram bot.

Transcribe a recording

Send your voice message, audio or video to @potok_now_bot on Telegram and the text comes back in the chat.

Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram

Files up to 2 GB · export to TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT · speaker labels and timestamps · about 30 languages

Key facts

  • Plaud labels speakers; Potok can switch labels on and shows them as Speaker 1, Speaker 2.
  • Plaud sells voice-recorder devices with an app for transcripts and summaries.
  • Plaud's public pages do not state translation of transcripts, and Potok has none.
  • Plaud's public pages do not mention a Telegram bot or a largest file; Potok runs inside Telegram.
  • Speaker labels: Plaud lists Yes, and Potok lists Yes, can be switched on.

At a glance

At a glance
PlaudPotok
Recognition languages112 languagesAbout 30
Translation of transcriptsNot stated on its public pagesNot available
Speaker labelsYesYes, can be switched on
Export formatsRecordings, transcripts and summaries can be exported; formats not listed on this pageTXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT
Telegram botNot stated on its public pagesYes, @potok_now_bot
Largest fileNot stated on its public pagesUp to 2 GB

Facts about Plaud come from its public pages and from third-party reviews. They can change; check the vendor's site before you decide.

What Potok can do
FeatureDetails
Where it worksTelegram bot @potok_now_bot; large files go through the bot's mini app
File sizeUp to 2 GB
ExportTXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT
Speakers and timeSpeaker labels and timestamps can be switched on
LanguagesAbout 30 languages with good published results; a few more with warnings
TranslationThe transcript is not translated into another language
DictationA separate Potok desktop app lets you dictate text into any program; it recognises Russian speech

Common mistakes when choosing

Common mistakes and how to fix them
MistakeWhat happensFix
Reading 112 languages as better for your languageYou may watch the count and not your own language.Look up your exact language on the list.
Treating a recorder device as a plain transcription toolHardware and an app change what you buy and how you send files.Check whether you need the device or only the text.
Assuming the export formats match your workflowThe formats are not listed, so a needed one may be missing.Confirm the format list with the vendor first.
Looking for a Telegram option on PlaudIts pages do not mention one, so you may search in vain.Use a tool that states Telegram support.
Deciding from one line of the table aloneA strong line can hide a weak one that matters for your recordingGo through every row and mark the ones that are deal breakers for you

More

See the full list of languages, the tools and the glossary.

Frequently asked questions

How many languages does Plaud state?

Plaud states 112 languages. Potok works in about 30 languages with good published results, so check your language on both lists.

Does Plaud state a per-file limit?

No file limit is stated on its public pages. Because of that, you cannot compare sizes directly with the 2 GB limit of Potok.

Which formats can Plaud export?

It says recordings, transcripts and summaries can be exported without naming formats there. Potok exports TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT.

Where do I find the Potok bot?

Search for @potok_now_bot in Telegram, send the audio or video, and read the transcript in the same conversation.

Does Plaud separate speakers?

Yes, Plaud states speaker labels. Potok can switch them on too and always numbers speakers instead of naming them.

What does the table say about export formats?

For Plaud it lists Recordings, transcripts and summaries can be exported; formats not listed on this page, and for Potok it lists TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT. Check the vendor page for the current wording before you decide.

Sources

Each source was opened by hand on the date shown. Pages change, so open the source if a detail matters to you.

  1. Plaud, official page, Plaud · checked
  2. Whisper speech recognition system (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · checked

Try it on your own recording

Send your voice message, audio or video to @potok_now_bot on Telegram and the text comes back in the chat.

Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram