minutes
Local-first conversation memory app with AI agent integration via MCP.
Transcribe meetings and voice memos on-device into Markdown files your AI agents can query.
Minutes is an open-source conversation memory app that records and transcribes meetings, calls, and voice memos directly on your device. It stores records as local Markdown files with YAML frontmatter, letting MCP clients like Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex search your history. It is built for agent-first professionals who want a local capture layer for their second brain.
What it is
The application handles on-device audio capture, local transcription, and speaker processing, saving output into ~/meetings/ as structured Markdown files. It features a desktop app with dictation preferences, a CLI with 58 commands, an MCP server with 34 tools, and a Claude Code plugin with 23 skills. Text only leaves your machine when you explicitly send authorized meeting context to your chosen cloud AI assistant or summarizer.
Who it's for
It suits agent-first users who want to query their meeting history through Claude Code, Cursor, or the CLI and fold context into a local vault or wiki. It does not suit users looking for a fully managed, cloud-hosted workspace or those who want an out-of-the-box cloud transcription service without local setup.
Key features
On-Device Transcription
Transcribes meetings, calls, and voice memos locally on your hardware.
MCP Client Integration
Exposes 34 local tools to query your meeting history via Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor.
Markdown Storage
Saves all records as plain Markdown files with structured YAML frontmatter you own.
Desktop Dictation
Provides menu bar capture, custom spellings, snippets, and local text recovery.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Audio transcription and speaker processing run entirely on-device for data privacy
- Integrates directly with local MCP clients including Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex
- Outputs standard Markdown files with YAML frontmatter compatible with Obsidian and Logseq
- Includes a robust CLI with 58 commands for automation and local search
Where it falls short
- Requires manual setup of local MCP integrations and terminal commands
- Sending authorized context to cloud AI assistants requires external API usage and costs
- Dictation spelling corrections require explicit confirmation and local Ollama preview setup
Pricing & license
Minutes is free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid tiers for anything in the repository. The only cost is running it yourself and any external API usage if you choose a cloud AI assistant for summarization.
Open remote AI-training roles
876 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Where are my meeting records stored?
All transcriptions are saved as plain Markdown files with YAML frontmatter in your local ~/meetings/ directory.
Can I use Minutes with AI clients other than Claude?
Yes, it supports any MCP client including Cursor, Codex, OpenCode, Pi, Gemini CLI, and Claude Desktop.
Does audio leave my computer during transcription?
No, transcription and speaker processing run entirely on-device, and audio stays on your machine.
