Memex
Memex: A free, open-source voice journal with offline capture and flexible AI provider support. Ranked #12 of 27 in AI Voice Note Apps by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free, open-source cross-platform capture.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree, open-source cross-platform capture
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Offline recordingYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- On-device transcription and offline recording support
- Local Markdown and SQLite storage with backup options
- Broad bring-your-own LLM provider support
Where it doesn't
- Live recordings are limited to 60 seconds
- AI features require a connected model provider or model service
- Transcription language coverage is five languages
Our verdict on Memex
Memex is a free, open-source AI journal for iOS and Android. It is designed for individuals who want to capture text, photos, voice notes, and imported audio while keeping records locally available. On-device speech transcription, full-text transcript search, P.A.R.A.-based organization, and AI-generated timeline cards turn separate captures into a searchable personal knowledge base. Cross-record insights and narrative summaries extend the app beyond simple voice recording, while Markdown and SQLite storage support portable local data.
Its strongest fit is for people who want control over how AI is connected to their journal. Memex supports bring-your-own access to OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Ollama, AWS Bedrock, Kimi, Qwen, Doubao, Zhipu, MiniMax, MiMo, and OpenRouter. AI agents can transcribe, organize, tag, link, and summarize records, but those features require a connected model provider or optional model service. That makes the app flexible for users who already have a preferred provider, while adding a separate setup consideration for anyone seeking an all-inclusive AI service.
Local-first storage and offline operation make Memex suitable for capturing ideas away from a connection and retaining records as Markdown and SQLite data. Backups can use iCloud Drive, a custom folder, or app storage, and imported audio can be transcribed without a stated file-duration limit. The main constraint is live recording: each live recording is limited to 60 seconds, so longer spoken material belongs in imported audio files. Choose Memex for free, cross-platform capture, local data control, and configurable AI access. Consider another app if you need longer live recordings, broader verified transcription language coverage, or AI features without arranging a model provider.
Memex pricing
Memex fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Offline recording | Yes |
| AI summaries | Yes |
| Transcript search | Yes |
| Audio import | Yes |
| Max note length | Not verified |
| Transcription languages | 5 languages |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 12 integrations: OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Ollama, AWS Bedrock, Kimi … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | memexlab.ai |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Memex integrations
Memex lists 12 integrations on its own site.
- OpenAI
- Claude
- Gemini
- Ollama
- AWS Bedrock
- Kimi
- Qwen
- Doubao
- Zhipu
- MiniMax
- MiMo
- OpenRouter
Alternatives to Memex
- VoicenotesA cross-platform voice-note app with broad transcription, AI search, and integration coverage.9.4
- CleftA privacy-focused Apple voice-note app with offline AI transcription and structured notes.8.8
- MemothA capable Apple-focused recorder for turning meetings and calls into organized notes.8.2
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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