CaptionSnap captures meeting captions from video conferencing applications by reading on-screen text rather than recording audio. The app saves transcripts locally in Markdown format with speaker names, timestamps, and AI-generated summaries processed on-device using Apple Intelligence. ($9.99, one-time)
The menu bar utility operates at under 1% CPU usage while monitoring caption text from Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet applications. Both desktop and browser-based meetings are supported across all three platforms. Captions continue recording even when the meeting window is hidden or minimized.
Transcript files remain exclusively on the user’s Mac with no cloud transmission or third-party server access. The app requires only Accessibility permission—no Screen Recording, microphone, or camera access needed. Speaker identification extracts real names directly from meeting applications rather than generic labels.
Export functionality supports PDF and DOCX formats for sharing or archival purposes. The license covers up to 3 Macs per purchase with a 14-day free trial requiring no credit card. A 30-day refund policy applies to all purchases.
System requirements: macOS 26 or later with Apple Silicon support for on-device AI summarization features.
Limitations: Requires meeting applications to have live captions enabled—cannot generate transcripts independently. Accuracy depends entirely on the quality of platform-provided captions. Very recent macOS version requirement (26+) limits compatibility to current systems.
Alternatives: Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, macOS built-in Live Captions (viewing only, no saving), Rewind (full screen recording approach).
Suitable for users who attend frequent video meetings and need transcript archives without audio recording. Best for privacy-conscious professionals, remote workers, students in virtual classes, or anyone requiring meeting documentation for reference or accessibility purposes.
