Aqua Voice vs Cluely
Which Transcription AI tool is better in 2026?
Aqua Voice
AI dictation that writes 5x faster than typing, tuned for technical vocabulary
Cluely
AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time.
Side-by-side
Cluely is the more established option (raised $20.3M), but Aqua Voice is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Aqua Voice | Cluely |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI dictation that writes 5x faster than typing, tuned for technical vocabulary | AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time. |
| Foundedi | 2023🏆 | 2025 |
| HQi | San Francisco, United States | New York, US |
| Employeesi | — | 11-50🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 44 | 61🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $2.8M | $20.3M🏆 |
| Latest roundi | Seed · Feb 2024 | Series A · Jun 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | $120M🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | From $8/mo🏆 | Pricing not disclosed |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free · From $8/mo | Pricing not listed |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Aqua Voice and Cluely.
| Capability | Aqua Voice | Cluely |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Aqua Voice
- Offers a free plan
- Lower starting price ($8/mo)
- More mature (2023)
🔵 Strengths of Cluely
- Has raised more capital ($20.3M vs $2.8M)
- Higher Neuron score (61 vs 44)
- Newer company (2025)
Which should you choose?
Choose Aqua Voice if price matters most — it starts at Free · From $8/mo, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both AI Transcription tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Cluely if you want the most established option — it has raised $20.3M, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Aqua Voice vs Cluely — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Aqua Voice is the leaner option; Cluely has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Aqua Voice cheaper than Cluely?
Yes — Aqua Voice's cheapest paid plan is Free · From $8/mo, while Cluely's is Pricing not listed.
Do Aqua Voice and Cluely offer free plans?
Aqua Voice: Yes, has a free plan. Cluely: Paid only.
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