Overview
The review evaluates the Coconut app, an AI-powered note-taking tool for students and meetings, by discussing its features, pricing, usability, and value compared to alternatives.
App Features and Usability
- Available on iOS, Android, and web, with a 4.9 App Store rating and claims of widespread use.
- Requires user sign-up and immediately presents an aggressive paywall with the cheapest plan at ÂŁ129 per year.
- Core functionality includes recording, transcription, note editing, bookmarking, translation, and chat-based note exploration.
- Allows adding custom notes and bookmarks during recordings, but custom notes appear at the bottom.
- Supports flashcard generation from notes, including active recall for study purposes.
- Offers quiz generation based on note content for practice and review.
- Enables creation of videos (with Minecraft-style visuals) and podcasts from notes, appealing to visual learners.
- Includes “study games,” some relevant and some random or less useful.
- Can replay and speed up audio, view transcripts, and share or export summaries and flashcards (including to Anki).
- Web app supports uploading YouTube videos, PDFs, and audio for transcription and summarization.
Pros and Cons
- Flashcard and quiz features are unique and beneficial for students.
- The design and user interface are criticized as unattractive and inconsistent.
- Some features (study games, video) seem haphazardly integrated and lack coherence.
- Frequent notifications may be disruptive but are intended to enhance usage.
- Value is questionable given the high price compared to competitors.
Pricing and Plan Limitations
- The app’s entry price is considered expensive relative to its feature set.
- Unclear differentiation between free and paid plans; details not easily found within the app.
- Lower pricing would make the app more attractive; current pricing is not justified by the offering.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Recall AI offers similar features at a much lower price ($7–8/month) and includes a free plan.
- RemNote provides robust flashcard functionality for free, with premium AI flashcards at reasonable rates.
- Reviewer recommends exploring these alternatives for better value.
Reviewer's Final Assessment
- Despite high ratings and user numbers, actual use as a paid product is questionable.
- The app does not deliver sufficient value to justify its cost and appears less polished than its store rating suggests.
- Ongoing Toolfinder reviews will monitor for future updates and improvements.
Recommendations / Advice
- Consider alternative apps such as Recall AI and RemNote for better features and pricing.
- Only try Coconut if interested in its unique but limited student-focused features and prepared for the high cost.
- Watch for potential future updates that may address current shortcomings.