AutoNotes vs Freed: 2026 AI Scribe Comparison

Introduction

As the demand for efficient clinical documentation grows, many behavioral health professionals are turning to AI-powered tools for support. Among these tools, AutoNotes and Freed stand out as popular options. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of these two AI scribes, focusing on their capabilities, workflows, compliance, customization options, and pricing. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each tool, clinicians can make informed decisions about which AI scribe best meets their needs.

Overview of Each Product

AutoNotes

AutoNotes is an AI-powered clinical workspace specifically designed for behavioral health professionals. It automates the documentation process by transforming spoken or written input into structured notes that comply with HIPAA and PHIPA standards. Trusted by over 75,000 clinicians across the United States and Canada, AutoNotes allows providers to reclaim significant time each week, while maintaining high standards of documentation quality and ethical compliance.

Freed

Freed positions itself as an AI note-taking solution for various healthcare providers, including behavioral health professionals. It offers features that allow users to capture notes during sessions, with a focus on simplicity and user-friendliness. Freed provides basic functionalities for documentation and integrates with several EHR systems, but it may not be as comprehensive in terms of compliance and customization compared to AutoNotes.

Core AI Capabilities

AutoNotes Capabilities

• AI-Powered Note Generation: AutoNotes can generate structured notes using various formats, including SOAP, DAP, and treatment plans, ensuring that clinicians can easily produce compliant documentation.
• Multi-Input Capture: Users can input session details through free text, dictation, or full session recordings, allowing for flexibility in how notes are captured.
• Contextual Insights: AutoNotes builds context over time, providing clinicians with relevant insights and trends about their clients, enhancing treatment planning.

Freed Capabilities

• Basic Note Capture: Freed allows users to take notes during sessions through a straightforward interface, focusing primarily on simplicity.
• Integration with EHRs: Freed connects with various EHR systems, but its integration capabilities may not be as extensive as those of AutoNotes, limiting flexibility.

Supported Workflows

AutoNotes Workflows

AutoNotes supports a wide variety of workflows that enhance clinical efficiency:

• Live Sessions: Clinicians can capture notes in real-time during therapy sessions, ensuring that documentation is accurate and timely.
• Uploads: Users can upload existing notes or session recordings for processing, allowing for retrospective documentation.
• Dictation: The dictation feature enables clinicians to verbally record notes, which are then transcribed into structured formats.
• Retrospective Notes: Clinicians can write notes after sessions, with the AI providing contextual prompts based on previous interactions.

Freed Workflows

Freed also supports various workflows, but they may not be as versatile:

• Live Note-Taking: Users can take notes during sessions, but the functionality may lack the depth and speed of AutoNotes.
• Basic Upload Support: While users can upload files for later reference, Freed does not have a robust retrospective documentation capability.

Compliance and PHI Handling

AutoNotes Compliance

Compliance is a core pillar of AutoNotes. The platform is designed to support HIPAA and PHIPA standards, ensuring that all documentation workflows are secure and compliant.

• Data Encryption: AutoNotes employs AES-256 encryption at rest and TLS 1.2+ encryption in transit, protecting sensitive information during storage and transmission.
• De-identification: The platform handles PHI with strict care, and data is de-identified to further protect client privacy. Clinicians have control over data retention and deletion preferences.
• No Training Data Usage: Importantly, AutoNotes does not use any client data for AI model training, addressing a significant concern regarding data privacy in AI applications.

Freed Compliance

Freed’s compliance features are less comprehensive than AutoNotes:

• Basic Security Measures: Freed incorporates some security measures, but it may not offer the same level of encryption and PHI handling as AutoNotes.
• Limited Transparency: Freed does not provide extensive information regarding its compliance with HIPAA or similar regulations, which may raise concerns for clinicians focused on data security.

Customization Depth

AutoNotes Customization

One of the standout features of AutoNotes is its deep level of customization. Clinicians can tailor templates and workflows to fit their specific needs, ensuring that the documentation process aligns with their practice style and protocols.

• Template Customization: AutoNotes offers a variety of treatment plan templates, allowing clinicians to create personalized frameworks that cater to their clinical approach.
• Workflow Flexibility: Users can configure their workflows based on individual preferences, enhancing efficiency and reducing administrative burdens.

Freed Customization

Freed offers limited customization options:

• Basic Templates: While Freed includes some templates, the customization options are restricted, which may not meet the diverse needs of all clinicians.
• Standard Workflows: Freed follows a more standardized workflow, lacking the flexibility that some clinicians may require for their unique practices.

Pricing

AutoNotes Pricing

AutoNotes offers competitive pricing plans that cater to both individual clinicians and larger practices. The pricing structure is designed to provide value, considering the time savings and efficiencies gained through its use.

• Subscription Model: AutoNotes typically operates on a subscription basis, allowing users to choose a plan that fits their needs and budget.
• Trial Period: Prospective users can often take advantage of a free trial, allowing them to explore the platform’s features before making a commitment.

Freed Pricing

Freed's pricing structure may appeal to those looking for a more straightforward solution, but it may not provide the same return on investment.

• Simplified Pricing: Freed usually has a more simplified pricing model, which may attract users seeking a basic solution.
• Limited Free Trial: Freed may offer a limited free trial, but the lack of comprehensive features might deter some potential users.

Who Each Tool is Best Suited For

AutoNotes

AutoNotes is ideally suited for:

• Behavioral health professionals seeking a comprehensive and compliant documentation solution.
• Clinicians who require flexibility in their workflows and documentation processes.
• Practices that prioritize data security and compliance with HIPAA and PHIPA regulations.
• Providers who want to reclaim significant time each week through efficient documentation.

Freed

Freed may be best suited for:

• Clinicians looking for a straightforward and easy-to-use note-taking solution.
• Practitioners who have minimal documentation needs and are comfortable with basic features.
• Those who prioritize simplicity over comprehensive compliance and customization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both AutoNotes and Freed offer unique features tailored to the needs of behavioral health professionals. However, AutoNotes stands out as a compliance-first AI scribe that provides a deep level of customization, multi-input capture, and extensive workflow support. In contrast, Freed offers a more basic solution that may be suitable for clinicians with simpler documentation needs.

Ultimately, the choice between AutoNotes and Freed will depend on the specific requirements of the clinician, including their priorities regarding compliance, flexibility, and the depth of documentation support they require. By weighing these factors, professionals can make an informed decision that aligns with their practice and enhances their clinical efficiency.

References

• [source:1] Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Health Care
• [source:2] Data De-identification and its Implications
• [source:3] Compliance and Regulatory Considerations for AI in Healthcare

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