Gladia vs Plaud AI
Which Transcription AI tool is better in 2026?
Gladia
Paris-based audio intelligence company that provides a real-time speech-to-text and
Plaud AI
AI voice recorder devices for hands-free note-taking
Side-by-side
Gladia is the more established option (raised $20.3M), but Plaud AI is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Gladia | Plaud AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Paris-based audio intelligence company that provides a real-time speech-to-text and | AI voice recorder devices for hands-free note-taking |
| Foundedi | 2022 | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | — | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 52 | 64🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $20.3M🏆 | $5M |
| Latest roundi | Series A | Convertible Note · Apr 2025 |
| Valuationi | — | —🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | From $159/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✓ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Free | Hardware · From $159/mo |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Gladia and Plaud AI.
| Capability | Gladia | Plaud AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Gladia
- Has raised more capital ($20.3M vs $5M)
- Offers a free plan
- Offers a free trial
- Newer company (2022)
🔵 Strengths of Plaud AI
- Higher Neuron score (64 vs 52)
- Lower starting price ($159/mo)
- More mature (2021)
Which should you choose?
Choose Plaud AI if price matters most — it starts at Hardware · From $159/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 Gladia 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.
💸 Deals
Plaud Note bundle — save up to $40
Plaud Note + accessory bundles ship with up to $40 off vs buying the AI voice recorder and case separately.
Terms: While bundles last.
Frequently asked questions
Gladia vs Plaud AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Gladia has raised more capital and is the more established option; Plaud AI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Gladia cheaper than Plaud AI?
No — Plaud AI's cheapest paid plan is Hardware · From $159/mo, while Gladia's is Free.
Do Gladia and Plaud AI offer free plans?
Gladia: Yes, has a free plan. Plaud AI: Paid only.
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