The verdict
On the data we hold, it's close: neither pulls ahead on features, a free plan or AI access. The choice comes down to how you work.
What the data says
- Both cover 3 of the 3 features we compared.
- Both have a free plan, so you can try each before you pay.
- Both have an API and an MCP server, so either works with AI employees.
- In our HR ranking, Google Docs places 4 and Otter.ai 5 of 27.
Side by side
| 7 points compared | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starts at | €6.80/mo | $8.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| MCP server | Yes | Yes |
| AI summary + action items | Yes | Yes |
| Guest / external access | Yes | Yes |
| Template library | Yes | Yes |
| Links |
Plans and pricing
Google Docs
- FreeFree with any Google account.Free
- Google Workspace StarterBusiness plan with 30 GB per user; Docs is included.€6.80/mo/seat
Otter.ai
- BasicFree: 300 monthly transcription minutes, 3 lifetime file imports, includes the Otter MCP server.Free
- ProPer user: 1,200 monthly minutes, 90 minutes per meeting. Annual billing shown as $8.33 per user per month.$16.99/mo/seat
- BusinessPer user: unlimited meetings, 4 hours per meeting, admin features. Annual billing shown as $19.99 per user per month.$30/mo/seat
Prices as the vendors list them. They change often; the final price is on their sites.
Who each is for
Choose Google Docs if…
Teams and founders who want shared, real-time document editing in the browser, with comments, suggestions and version history, without installing anything.
Choose Otter.ai if…
Sales, recruiting, education and media teams who spend a lot of time in calls and want transcripts, summaries and action items they can search later.
Other options worth a look
ToolCreates a shared workspace and wiki for team documentation, knowledge, and collaboration with built-in AI.HR
From $5.42/moFree plan
ToolBring teams together on an infinite whiteboard to brainstorm, diagram and run workshops in real time.HR
From $8/mo yearlyFree plan
ToolOrganise team communication through channels, direct messages, huddles and file sharing in one place.HR
From €8.25/moFree plan
ToolCentralises standard operating procedures, quizzes and onboarding materials in a searchable knowledge base.HR
From $3/mo yearlyAffiliate link- ToolThe Bloom Growth Operating System: scorecard, meetings, goals and issues on one platform, the software half of the EOS/Traction category.
HR
From $299/mo
ToolAI assistant built into Zoom that generates meeting summaries, action items and automated follow-up tasks.HR
From €15.33/mo yearlyFree plan