Cluely vs Plaud AI
Which Productivity AI tool is better in 2026?
Cluely
AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time.
Plaud AI
AI voice recorder devices for hands-free note-taking
Side-by-side
Cluely is the more established option (raised $20.3M), but Plaud AI is cheaper to start.
| Metric | Cluely | Plaud AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | AI desktop overlay that listens, sees the screen, and whispers answers in real time. | AI voice recorder devices for hands-free note-taking |
| Foundedi | 2025 | 2021🏆 |
| HQi | New York, US | San Francisco, US |
| Employeesi | 11-50 | 201-500🏆 |
| Neuron scorei | 61 | 64🏆 |
| Total fundingi | $20.3M🏆 | $5M |
| Latest roundi | Series A · Jun 2025 | Convertible Note · Apr 2025 |
| Valuationi | $120M🏆 | — |
| Cheapest paid plani | Pricing not disclosed | From $159/mo🏆 |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Pricing not disclosed | Pricing not disclosed |
| Pricing summaryi | Pricing not listed | Hardware · From $159/mo |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Cluely and Plaud AI.
| Capability | Cluely | Plaud AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✗ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✓ |
🟢 Strengths of Cluely
- Has raised more capital ($20.3M vs $5M)
- Newer company (2025)
🔵 Strengths of Plaud AI
- Higher Neuron score (64 vs 61)
- 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 Productivity 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.
💸 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
Cluely vs Plaud AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Cluely has raised more capital and is the more established option; Plaud AI is cheaper to start. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Cluely cheaper than Plaud AI?
No — Plaud AI's cheapest paid plan is Hardware · From $159/mo, while Cluely's is Pricing not listed.
Do Cluely and Plaud AI offer free plans?
Cluely: Paid only. Plaud AI: Paid only.
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