How to Migrate from Tool A to Tool B (Step-by-Step)
Last updated: March 2026
Migrating from Otter.ai to Fireflies.ai can offer advantages like automated meeting joining, deeper integration with work tools like Slack and Notion, and potentially more accurate AI summaries. This guide covers the complete migration process, including exporting your Otter.ai data, setting up Fireflies.ai, transferring transcripts, mapping features, and training your team. We'll help you minimize disruption while leveraging Fireflies.ai's unique capabilities for more efficient meeting management and knowledge retention.
Feature Mapping
| Tool A | Tool B Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| - | Both offer live transcription. Fireflies requires it to be invited to/join the meeting, while Otter can sometimes transcribe via a mobile device nearby. | |
| - | Both identify and label speakers. Fireflies can auto-identify speakers from your team based on email/calendar data. | |
| - | Core function for both. Fireflies' 'Super Summary' is often more detailed and structured with custom sections like 'Meeting Metrics'. | |
| - | Both are searchable. Fireflies offers a powerful global search across all meetings and filters by topic, date, speaker, etc. | |
| - | Both integrate with major platforms. A key difference: Fireflies can automatically join scheduled meetings without a host starting it. | |
| - | Otter's 'Live Summary' is similar to Fireflies' real-time notes in the meeting sidebar or dedicated live view. | |
| - | Both have mobile apps. Fireflies also emphasizes a Chrome extension for capturing audio from any tab, not just integrated apps. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my data from Otter.ai to Fireflies.ai?+
Not directly. You can export Otter transcripts as files, but Fireflies cannot import them. You must upload the original audio/video files to Fireflies for re-transcription or manually copy key notes.
How long does migration take?+
For a solo user, expect 2-4 hours. For a team, plan 3-5 days including training. The timeline depends on how much historical data you need to preserve and the complexity of your integrations.
Will I lose any features switching to Fireflies.ai?+
Core features map directly. You may miss Otter's 'OtterPilot' for live questions or its specific interface. However, you gain Fireflies' auto-join, deeper tool integrations, and more powerful search analytics.
Can I use both tools during migration?+
Yes, a parallel testing period of 1-2 weeks is highly recommended. Run both tools for the same meetings to compare output, train your team, and ensure Fireflies meets all needs before canceling Otter.
Is Fireflies.ai cheaper than Otter.ai?+
Pricing is comparable and both use freemium models. Fireflies may offer more transcription minutes on its paid tiers. The value differs based on features; Fireflies' auto-join and workflow automation can provide greater time savings.