Decision Support · Side-by-side

Granola vs Shadow 2.0. Side by side.

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

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Granola

Best overall

Shadow 2.0

For most people, Granola is the better everyday choice because it works on Windows and iOS, offers a free tier with no meeting limits, and integrates with workplace tools. Shadow 2.0 wins only if you're a Mac-only user who absolutely needs privacy-first, bot-free recording with screen capture. The single biggest difference: Granola is cross-platform and more versatile for daily use, while Shadow 2.0 is Mac-only but offers local processing and screen recording.

Granola

Free tier available #5316 of 3,826 Web

Shadow 2.0

Free tier available Web

Scores at a glance

GranolaShadow 2.0Practical Versatility

Onboarding Ease

Ecosystem Fit

Market Value

Choose Granola if

You use a mix of Windows and Mac devices and want one tool that works on both
You take notes during meetings and want them automatically formatted into clean summaries
You record customer interviews or sales calls and need accurate transcripts without bots
You want a free tier that doesn't limit how many meetings you can record each month

Choose Shadow 2.0 if

You're a Mac-only user and privacy is your top concern — you don't want audio leaving your computer
You need screen recording alongside meeting audio (e.g., for demos or bug reproduction)
You want a completely invisible assistant that joins meetings without anyone knowing
You're willing to pay for a premium plan and only record up to 10 meetings per month on free tier

Key differences

Granola works on Mac, Windows, and iOS; Shadow 2.0 is Mac-only
Shadow 2.0 records your screen with timestamps; Granola only records audio and text
Granola's free tier has no meeting cap; Shadow 2.0's free tier limits you to 10 meetings/month
Shadow 2.0 processes everything locally on your Mac for privacy; Granola uses cloud transcription
Granola integrates with workplace tools like CRM/ATS; Shadow 2.0 only connects via Zapier webhooks
Granola has a mobile app (iOS); Shadow 2.0 has no mobile support at all

Facts side by side

	Granola	Shadow 2.0
Free plan
Mobile app
API access

Granola: strengths & weaknesses

Works on Mac, Windows, and iOS — not locked to one platform
No meeting bots means no awkward 'bot joined' messages
Transcription is highly accurate and you can take notes alongside it
Free tier is generous and doesn't cap meetings per month
No screen recording — you only get audio and text
No mobile app for Android or iPad
Advanced features like CRM updates require paid plan
Manual review still needed for complex workflows

Shadow 2.0: strengths & weaknesses

Privacy-first: all processing happens on your Mac, nothing leaves without permission
No bot visible to other meeting participants — it's invisible
Captures screen activity with timestamps, not just audio
Autopilot mode means you never have to remember to start recording
Mac only — no Windows, no Linux, no mobile at all
Free tier is stingy: only 10 meetings per month
Very few native integrations — only Zapier via webhook
Speaker identification can get confused in noisy rooms

Common questions

Is Granola better than Shadow 2.0 for everyday meeting notes?

Yes, for most people. Granola works on more devices, has a more generous free tier, and integrates with tools you already use. Shadow 2.0 is only better if you need screen recording or must keep everything on your Mac for privacy.

Can I use Shadow 2.0 on my Windows laptop?

No. Shadow 2.0 is exclusively for macOS. If you use Windows, Granola is your only option between these two.

Which tool is more private?

Shadow 2.0 is more private because all transcription and processing happens on your Mac. Granola sends audio to the cloud for processing, which is standard but less private.

Do either of these tools show up as a participant in my meeting?

No. Both Granola and Shadow 2.0 are 'bot-free' — they don't appear as participants. They work by capturing system audio on your device.

Which one has a mobile app?

Granola has an iOS app. Shadow 2.0 has no mobile app at all.

Can I try both for free?

Yes, both have free tiers. Granola's free tier is more generous with no meeting cap. Shadow 2.0's free tier limits you to 10 meetings per month.

Granola wins for most people thanks to cross-platform support and a generous free tier; Shadow 2.0 is the privacy-first choice for Mac-only users who need screen recording.

If you're not sure which to pick, start with Granola — it works on more devices, has a better free tier, and handles everyday meeting notes beautifully. Only switch to Shadow 2.0 if you're all-in on Mac and privacy or screen recording are must-haves.

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Detail pages: Granola · Shadow 2.0

Granola

Shadow 2.0

Free plan

Mobile app

API access