# Fireflies.ai vs Fathom (2026) - Verdict

**Verdict:** both live and price-verified as of Jul 21, 2026. Choose Fireflies.ai if it starts cheaper, at $18/mo against $20/mo. Choose Fathom if you lean toward the more recent build, from 2020.

Category: AI Meeting Notes & Scheduling · Verified: Jul 21, 2026

## Choose Fireflies.ai if

- it starts cheaper, at $18/mo against $20/mo.
- a longer track record matters to you; it has run since 2016.

Link: https://verdict.tools/go/fireflies-ai (rel="sponsored nofollow")

## Choose Fathom if

- you lean toward the more recent build, from 2020.
- it is built for solo & SMB teams.

Link: https://verdict.tools/go/fathom (rel="sponsored nofollow")

## What each one is

**Fireflies.ai.** Fireflies records and transcribes meetings across Zoom, Meet, Teams, and other platforms, with transcription in a wide range of languages and search that can jump to a specific sentence and timestamp months later. It connects to CRMs and collaboration tools and layers on assistants such as AskFred. It fits teams that meet across several platforms and want one searchable, integrated record.
Sources: Fireflies pricing (https://fireflies.ai/pricing)

**Fathom.** Fathom records and summarizes meetings and lets you query a call through a chat interface it calls Ask Fathom. Its distinguishing move is a genuinely generous free plan with unlimited recording, transcription, and summaries, where most rivals cap the free tier. It suits individuals and small teams that want solid notes without paying, with paid tiers adding team collaboration and coaching.
Sources: Fathom pricing (https://fathom.ai/pricing)

## Side by side

| Metric | Fireflies.ai | Fathom |
|---|---|---|
| From $/mo | $18 | $20 |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 2016 | 2020 |
| Best for | solo & SMB & enterprise | solo & SMB |
| Status | Live | Live |

All figures = lowest paid monthly plan · verified Jul 21, 2026.

## Where they differ

**Price.** Fireflies.ai is the cheaper entry at $18/mo, versus $20/mo for Fathom.

**Free access.** Both Fireflies.ai and Fathom offer a permanent free tier.

**Track record.** Fireflies.ai has been operating since 2016; Fathom since 2020. A longer survival record matters.

## FAQ

### Fireflies.ai or Fathom - which is better in 2026?
Both are live and price-verified as of Jul 21, 2026. Choose Fireflies.ai if it starts cheaper, at $18/mo against $20/mo. Choose Fathom if you lean toward the more recent build, from 2020.

### Is Fireflies.ai cheaper than Fathom?
Fireflies.ai has the lower entry price - from $18/mo vs $20/mo (verified Jul 21, 2026).

### Does Fireflies.ai or Fathom have a free tier?
Both Fireflies.ai and Fathom offer a permanent free tier.

### Are Fireflies.ai and Fathom still maintained?
Yes - both are live as of Jul 21, 2026, with no official sunset announced for either.

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Canonical: https://verdict.tools/vs/fireflies-ai-vs-fathom