5 Microsoft Copilot Alternatives for Better Meeting Transcription

Why Alternatives to Microsoft Copilot Are in Demand

Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI assistant that is deeply integrated into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It supports meeting documentation and analysis and offers many useful features — especially for companies that rely heavily on Microsoft tools.

But Copilot also has limitations: data privacy concerns, lack of flexibility in integrations, and restricted conversation analysis are common points of criticism. That’s why it’s worth taking a look at alternatives that offer more freedom, stronger privacy, and smarter features.

What to Look for When Choosing the Right Alternative for Better Transcription

• Data protection: Is data processed in accordance with GDPR? Is there hosting in the EU?
• Language support: How well does the tool recognize German and dialects?
• Integration: Can other platforms such as CRMs or project management tools be integrated?
• Features: Are there automatic summaries, coaching features, or task allocation?
• Pricing model: Is the tool flexible and transparently priced?

The Strengths of Microsoft Copilot

Copilot shows its strengths primarily in its seamless integration into the Microsoft 365 universe. Whether Outlook, Teams or OneNote — all data is connected. This makes usage easier for companies already working within this ecosystem. The integration ensures that users can access meeting notes or calendar entries directly, without extra steps. Those already using Microsoft products benefit from a familiar environment and a consistent user experience.

The Weaknesses of Microsoft Copilot

Despite its strong integration, Copilot also has clear weaknesses. The transcription tool in particular still feels underdeveloped: there are no export options for transcripts, limited analytical capabilities, and no integration with tools outside the Microsoft world. And those connections will likely never exist, as Microsoft intends to keep users within its own ecosystem. Custom workflows are also difficult to implement. This makes Copilot only partially suitable for companies that need a flexible and GDPR-compliant meeting solution.

The Best Microsoft Copilot Alternatives in 2025

1. Sally – Copilot Alternative with Top Features

Sally is a meeting AI that stands out especially for its GDPR compliance and advanced analysis features. Unlike Copilot, all data is stored in the EU — and optionally even locally. One of Sally’s most impressive aspects is its conversation intelligence: it recognizes tasks, analyzes meeting dynamics, and provides concrete suggestions for improvement. On top of that, it supports more than 5,000 integrations and offers an easy onboarding process.

Pro:

• Highest data protection standards
• Precise transcription including dialect recognition
• Extensive integrations (CRM, calendar, project management)
• Coaching features and conversation analysis

Contra:

• No native real-time transcription (only after the meeting)

2. Fireflies.ai – Solid Tool from the US

Fireflies offers real-time transcription and scores points with a wide range of language options. This can be helpful for international teams. However, data processing takes place in the US, which can raise privacy concerns.

Pro:

• Real-time transcription (Google Meet)
• Good analysis features
• Broad platform support

Contra:

• US-based data processing
• Privacy not ideal for EU companies

3. Jamie AI – Copilot Alternative for Simple Needs

Jamie AI is also a European solution with solid GDPR compliance. However, its features are less extensive compared to something like Sally. For simple transcription needs and offline meetings, Jamie is still a good choice.

Pro:

• GDPR-compliant, EU hosting
• Offline transcription possible
• Good basic feature set

Contra:

• Limited coaching features
• Expensive pricing structure

4. Otter.ai – US Alternative with Real-Time Transcription

Otter.ai is known for its real-time features and is mostly used in the US. It offers solid transcription and note-taking functions, but lacks detailed analytics — and again, the issue of data privacy is problematic for EU users.

Pro:

• Real-time transcription
• User-friendly
• Affordable entry-level pricing

Contra:

• Data processing in the USA
• Limited language support (only a few languages)

5. Bliro.io – Copilot Alternative with Background Transcription

Bliro.io targets users who want to record meetings live without inviting a bot. It offers real-time transcription and simple handling of personal meetings. However, in terms of integration and coaching, it lags behind other tools.

Pro:

• Real-time notes without a bot
• GDPR-compliant storage
• Easy to use

Contra:

• Limited automation
• High entry cost
• Background transcription can violate personal rights if not clearly communicated

Conclusion: This Copilot Alternative Is the Right Choice for Better Meeting Transcription

If you're staying within the Microsoft ecosystem, Copilot is a solid option — especially in combination with Outlook, Teams, and OneNote. Copilot is a useful assistant in the Microsoft environment and works well there. However, it is not designed as a specialized transcription tool. Key features such as flexible export formats, advanced analytics, or interfaces to tools outside of Microsoft 365 are missing.

This is where specialized tools like Sally come in: they automatically detect tasks, offer detailed conversation analysis, sales coaching, and can be integrated with over 5,000 tools. So if you're looking for more than just a simple transcript, Sally is a thoughtful and practical solution.

Our recommendation: If privacy, analytics, and flexibility matter to you, Sally is the best Microsoft Copilot alternative in 2025. You can try Sally out for free.