Decision Support · Side-by-side

Bubbles vs Shadow 2.0. Side by side.

Compare pricing, strengths, and use cases so it is easier to pick the right fit.

Browse alternatives Browse workflows

Change tools

Comparison Ready

Bubbles

Best overall

Shadow 2.0

For most people, Bubbles is the more practical choice because it works on any device and integrates with Slack and calendars, while Shadow 2.0 is only for macOS users who prioritize privacy above all else. The single biggest difference is platform: Bubbles is cross-platform, Shadow 2.0 is macOS-only.

Bubbles

Free tier available, Pro from $12/mo #1863 of 3,826 Web

Shadow 2.0

Free tier available Web

Scores at a glance

BubblesShadow 2.0Practical Versatility

Onboarding Ease

Ecosystem Fit

Market Value

Choose Bubbles if

You work on a team that uses Slack and Google Calendar and you want meeting summaries delivered automatically
You need to record screen demos or give async video feedback to colleagues or clients
You use Windows or Linux at work and can't commit to a Mac-only tool
You want a free option to try before paying, and you don't mind the short history limit

Choose Shadow 2.0 if

You're a solo professional on macOS who wants meetings recorded without any visible bot
You handle sensitive conversations and need transcription to stay on your device by default
You only attend a few meetings per week (under 10/month) and want a simple, set-and-forget tool
You're comfortable with manual exports and don't need deep Slack or calendar integration

Key differences

Bubbles works on Windows, Mac, and Chrome; Shadow 2.0 is macOS-only
Bubbles has native Slack and calendar integrations; Shadow 2.0 only connects via Zapier webhooks
Shadow 2.0 records without appearing as a participant; Bubbles joins as a visible notetaker
Shadow 2.0 processes audio locally on your Mac; Bubbles sends data to the cloud
Bubbles offers a mobile app for reviewing; Shadow 2.0 has no mobile app at all
Shadow 2.0's free tier is limited to 10 meetings/month; Bubbles' free tier limits history length, not meeting count

Facts side by side

	Bubbles	Shadow 2.0
Free plan
Mobile app
API access

Bubbles: strengths & weaknesses

Works on Windows, Mac, and Chrome — no device lock-in
Lets you record and comment on videos with pixel-perfect feedback
Calendar sync means it can auto-join meetings without you remembering
Slack integration sends summaries straight to your team chat
Free tier keeps only short history — you'll outgrow it fast
No mobile app for recording, only reviewing
AI credits run out quickly if you record long meetings daily
No Linux desktop app

Shadow 2.0: strengths & weaknesses

No bot shows up in the meeting — participants won't know it's recording
All transcription stays on your Mac unless you choose to share it
Autopilot mode means you never have to remember to start recording
Speaker identification works well in quiet rooms
macOS only — no Windows, no phone, no web app
Free tier caps at 10 meetings per month, which is tight for heavy users
Limited integrations — only Zapier via webhook, no Slack or calendar sync
Can misidentify speakers if there's background noise

Common questions

Is Bubbles better than Shadow 2.0 for recording client calls?

Yes, if your clients are okay with a visible notetaker and you want to share clips via Slack. Shadow 2.0 is better if you need to record discreetly and keep data on your Mac.

Can I use Shadow 2.0 on my phone?

No. Shadow 2.0 is macOS-only with no mobile app. Bubbles also lacks a mobile recording app, but you can review recordings on your phone.

Which tool is more private?

Shadow 2.0 is far more private — it processes everything locally on your Mac and never sends audio to the cloud unless you explicitly allow it. Bubbles processes in the cloud.

Which tool is easier to set up for a non-technical person?

Bubbles is easier because it has a guided onboarding with calendar and Slack setup. Shadow 2.0 is simple to install but has fewer hand-holding steps.

Do I need to pay for either tool to get real value?

Bubbles' free tier is usable for light use, but the short history makes it frustrating. Shadow 2.0's free tier caps at 10 meetings/month. Both are worth paying for if you use them daily.

Bubbles wins for most people thanks to cross-platform support and team integrations; Shadow 2.0 is the niche pick for macOS users who need invisible, local-first recording.

If you use a Mac and privacy is your top concern, go with Shadow 2.0. For everyone else — especially teams on Windows or Slack — Bubbles is the more versatile, easier-to-integrate choice that will actually fit into your daily workflow.

Visit Bubbles Visit Shadow 2.0

Detail pages: Bubbles · Shadow 2.0

Bubbles

Shadow 2.0

Free plan

Mobile app

API access