About Granola
Granola is designed to be the ultimate AI meeting notepad, and I must admit, it has some intriguing features that could change the way we handle virtual meetings. Unlike many other tools that require a bot to join your calls (and let’s face it, who enjoys the awkwardness of a digital assistant chiming in?), Granola captures audio directly from your device. This means you can hold your meetings without the added discomfort of a virtual entity lurking in the background. The AI then processes this audio to produce text transcripts and summarised notes, making it easier to keep track of what was discussed.
One of the standout features is Granola’s ability to integrate spoken dialogue with typed notes. I found this particularly useful when juggling several thoughts during a meeting. Instead of frantically typing while also trying to engage in conversation, I could focus on the discussion, knowing Granola was capturing everything. The summarisation is surprisingly accurate and provides a polished overview of the meeting, which is a luxury for anyone who’s ever had to sift through pages of disorganised notes post-call. I tested it across different platforms, including Zoom and Google Meet, and it performed without a hitch.
Now, let’s talk pricing. Granola has a freemium model that allows you to use it for up to 25 meetings, which is great for casual users. But if you're anything like me and have back-to-back meetings, you may find yourself hitting that limit quite quickly. The Individual plan at £18 per month is reasonable, but I couldn’t help but think that for teams, the Business option at £14 per user per month could add up if you’re managing a larger group. I’d recommend it for small to medium-sized teams who can benefit from its summarisation capabilities without needing to worry about the privacy issues some other transcription services have, as Granola doesn’t store your audio recordings.
In my experience, Granola is particularly beneficial for professionals who need accurate and efficient documentation without the fuss. Venture capitalists and consultants who live in meetings will find it invaluable, whereas those in less meeting-heavy roles might not see the same value. It’s not just another note-taking tool; it’s about creating a more fluid meeting experience. However, it may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer a more traditional approach to note-taking or if you're in a field where meeting transcripts are not as critical. Overall, Granola is a solid contender in the realm of AI productivity tools, but it does have its limitations depending on your specific needs.
Our Review
Verified 11 May 2026Reviewed by Delv Editorial, Delv Team
My first encounter with Granola was during a particularly chaotic week filled with back-to-back meetings. I was sceptical about yet another tool claiming to make note-taking easier, but I was pleasantly surprised. Granola’s ability to capture audio directly from my device meant I could finally ditch the anxiety of having a bot join my calls. The audio capture was crystal clear, which is a big deal when you're trying to remember every nuance of a discussion. I found the integration of spoken dialogue with my typed notes to be incredibly handy; it allowed me to focus on the conversation at hand instead of worrying about missing key points.
What really stood out was the summarisation feature. After a lengthy meeting, I was able to skim through a polished overview instead of sifting through pages of my own handwritten notes. This feature really saved me time, especially when I had to follow up on multiple discussions. However, I did run into a few hiccups. Occasionally, the summaries would oversimplify complex discussions, which left out some of the finer details that I had hoped to capture. It's something to keep in mind if you're in a role where every word matters.
In terms of pricing, Granola offers a freemium model that lets you test it out without spending a penny, which is refreshing. But for heavy users, the fees can add up quickly, especially if you opt for the Individual plan at £18 per month. I found myself wishing there was a middle ground for those who don't need it every day but still want to use it regularly. It’s a great tool for consultants and executives who need accurate documentation without the bot-induced awkwardness, but if you’re someone who only has a couple of meetings a month, you might be better off sticking to traditional note-taking methods.
Comparing it to alternatives like Otter.ai, I think Granola has a unique selling point with its bot-free experience and privacy focus, but it lacks some integrations that would make it more versatile. Overall, I think Granola is a fantastic tool for those who live in meetings, but it's not for everyone. If you’re someone who prefers manual note-taking or doesn’t have frequent meetings, you might want to look elsewhere. But for the professionals who need precise and efficient documentation, Granola is definitely worth considering.
Getting started with Granola
With Granola, you'll be able to capture and organise meeting notes effortlessly without the distraction of a bot joining your calls. This guide will help you set up Granola and get the most out of its features in under five minutes.
Step 1: Sign up and set up
Step 2: Your first meeting note
Step 3: Get better results
Pro tip
To save time, use keyboard shortcuts for common actions in Granola. For example, pressing "Ctrl + R" starts recording, and "Ctrl + S" saves your notes.
Common mistake to avoid
A common mistake is forgetting to allow audio permissions when setting up Granola. If you encounter issues with capturing audio, check your device's privacy settings to ensure Granola has permission to access the microphone.
The Verdict
Granola is a solid choice for professionals who need accurate meeting documentation without the discomfort of a bot joining the call. However, if you're not in frequent meetings or prefer traditional note-taking methods, you might find it unnecessary. It's perfect for freelancers, consultants, and executives, but casual users should think twice before committing to a paid plan.
Best For
- Freelance consultants who need to document client meetings efficiently.
- Venture capitalists looking for precise meeting summaries during pitches.
- Remote teams aiming for clearer communication without the interference of bots.
- Sales professionals who need to track discussions and follow-ups effectively.
- Educators conducting virtual classes that require comprehensive notes.
At a Glance
Granola is an AI-driven meeting notepad that captures audio directly from your device, providing polished summaries and transcripts without the need for intrusive bots. Its integration of spoken dialogue with typed notes makes it invaluable for professionals who need accurate documentation of meetings. With a freemium model and tiered pricing, it's accessible for both freelancers and larger teams.
Strengths
- +The audio capture feature is a game-changer - it means no more awkward bots interrupting your meetings, allowing for a more natural conversation flow.
- +Granola's integration of spoken dialogue with typed notes is incredibly effective, meaning you can focus on the discussion without worrying about missing key points.
- +The summarisation is impressively accurate, providing clear and concise meeting overviews which save time when reviewing notes later.
- +The freemium model allows you to test the waters without any financial commitment, making it an attractive option for casual users.
- +Granola's user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, which means you can get started without having to wade through a tutorial.
- +Privacy is a priority; Granola doesn’t store your audio recordings, which is refreshing in a market where data security is often an afterthought.
Limitations
- -The freemium model is limited to just 25 meetings, which can be a real pain for anyone with a packed schedule.
- -The Individual subscription at £18 per month feels a bit steep if you're only using it occasionally; it might not justify the cost for infrequent users.
- -The summarisation, while generally good, can occasionally miss nuances in complex discussions, leading to oversimplified notes.
- -Currently, Granola is only available on desktop, which is a drawback for those who frequently use mobile devices during meetings.
- -The lack of integration with project management tools means you have to manually transfer notes, which can be time-consuming.
Use Cases
- -Freelance consultants who juggle multiple client meetings each week and need accurate notes to follow up on actionable items.
- -Venture capitalists who need to capture detailed discussions during pitch meetings without the distraction of a bot.
- -Remote teams that want a reliable way to document brainstorming sessions without losing the flow of conversation.
- -Educators who conduct virtual classes and want to provide students with clear summaries of discussions.
- -Sales professionals who need to keep track of client meetings and ensure that no important detail slips through the cracks.
