SmartNews vs Steno
A comprehensive head-to-head comparison of two leading news & media solutions in 2026. Compare features, pricing, ratings, and more to find the right fit.
Quick Verdict
Choose SmartNews if you need Machine learning curation and prefer a free starting option. Choose Steno if you prioritize AI transcription and want plans starting at Contact for pricing. SmartNews has a higher user rating (4.6 vs 4.4).
SmartNews vs Steno: At a Glance
Feature Comparison: SmartNews vs Steno
| Feature | SmartNews | Steno |
|---|---|---|
| Machine learning curation | ||
| Smart Mode | ||
| Local news | ||
| Breaking alerts | ||
| Offline reading | ||
| Social sharing | ||
| News publishers | ||
| Ios support | ||
| Android support | ||
| AI transcription | ||
| Broadcast search | ||
| Real-time monitoring | ||
| Clip creation | ||
| Media analysis | ||
| Slack | ||
| API | ||
| Web support |
SmartNews vs Steno: Pricing Breakdown
SmartNews Pricing
Model: free
- Trending news
- Local news
- Smart Mode reading
- Category channels
Steno Pricing
Model: subscription
- Search transcripts
- Clip creation
- Email alerts
- Basic analytics
- All Starter features
- API access
- Team collaboration
- Advanced analytics
- Custom integrations
- Dedicated support
- SLA
- Custom retention
Pros and Cons
SmartNews
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.6/5)
- Free plan available to get started
- Rich feature set with 9+ capabilities
- Strong Machine learning curation functionality
- Strong Smart Mode functionality
Cons
- May require time to learn advanced features
Steno
Pros
- Highly rated by users (4.4/5)
- Rich feature set with 9+ capabilities
- Strong AI transcription functionality
- Strong Broadcast search functionality
Cons
- No free plan available
- Limited platform support (Web only)
- May require time to learn advanced features
Who Should Use SmartNews vs Steno?
Choose SmartNews if you:
- Need Machine learning curation
- Want to start for free
- Work primarily on Ios and Android
- Value Smart Mode
Choose Steno if you:
- Need AI transcription
- Have a budget of Contact for pricing+
- Work primarily on Web
- Value Broadcast search
Frequently Asked Questions: SmartNews vs Steno
Is SmartNews better than Steno?
It depends on your needs. SmartNews has a 4.6/5 user rating while Steno has 4.4/5. SmartNews excels in Machine learning curation and Smart Mode, while Steno stands out with AI transcription and Broadcast search. Consider your budget (Free vs Contact for pricing), platform needs, and specific feature requirements.
Which is cheaper, SmartNews or Steno?
SmartNews offers a free plan and starts at Free. Steno starts at Contact for pricing. SmartNews has a clear pricing advantage with its free tier.
Can I use SmartNews and Steno together?
While both are news & media tools, some teams use complementary software together. Check each product's API and integration capabilities for compatibility. However, most users find that one solution covers their core news & media needs.
What are the main differences between SmartNews and Steno?
The key differences include: pricing model (free vs subscription), platform support (Ios, Android vs Web), and feature focus. SmartNews emphasizes Machine learning curation, Smart Mode, Local news while Steno focuses on AI transcription, Broadcast search, Real-time monitoring. User ratings differ slightly: 4.6 vs 4.4 out of 5.
Ready to choose?
Explore detailed reviews, user ratings, and pricing for both SmartNews and Steno.