# Circleback vs Novastart

> Circleback: AI meeting notes, action items and automations that work with or without a bot
> Novastart: Infinite canvas desktop where your apps, teammates and AI agents share one workspace

- Circleback profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/circleback
- Novastart profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/novastart
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/circleback-vs-novastart
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Circleback is listed under AI Assistants and Novastart under Productivity. Circleback scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.2 vs 7.3 out of 10). Both have a free plan or trial. Only Circleback is available on Web, iOS and Android and offers an API. Only Novastart is available on Linux.

### Choose Circleback if

- You want a tool built for Teams that want automatic meeting notes and CRM or task-tracker updates via bot-free recording.
- Bot-free desktop recording avoids a visible notetaker in client calls.
- Free plan includes API, MCP and CLI access and mobile apps.

### Choose Novastart if

- You want a tool built for keeping many apps and projects organized in saved workspaces, watching AI agents work step by step, sharing a live workspace with teammates.
- Agents work with a visible cursor and can be paused, steered or taken over.
- Permanent free plan with all apps available.

## Pricing

| | Circleback | Novastart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Circleback | Novastart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Meeting Notes | Yes | Not listed |
| Action Items | Yes | Not listed |
| Bot-Free Recording | Yes | Not listed |
| Automations | Yes | Not listed |
| Ask Circleback | Yes | Not listed |
| Custom AI Insights | Yes | Not listed |
| Transcription | Yes | Not listed |
| Calendar Auto-Join | Yes | Not listed |
| Developer Access | Yes | Not listed |
| Infinite canvas | Not listed | Yes |
| Saved canvases | Not listed | Yes |
| Visible AI agents | Not listed | Yes |
| Multi-agent runs | Not listed | Yes |
| Agent modes | Not listed | Yes |
| Team collaboration | Not listed | Yes |
| Real apps | Not listed | Yes |
| Local-first data | Not listed | Yes |
| Undo history | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Circleback | Novastart |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | No |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | No |
| Android | Yes | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| CLI | Yes | No |
| Linux | No | Yes |

## Circleback strengths

- Bot-free desktop recording avoids a visible notetaker in client calls.
- Free plan includes API, MCP and CLI access and mobile apps.
- Broad integration list covering Slack, Notion, Linear, HubSpot, Salesforce and Zapier.
- Unlimited free viewers on Business, so non-participants do not need a seat.
- Releases page shows frequent updates, with entries in October 2026.

## Circleback limitations

- Free plan keeps only 30 days of meeting and recording history and 2 teams.
- Most integrations, including Notion, HubSpot and Salesforce, require Pro at $18 per user per month.
- SSO, SCIM and HIPAA compliance are limited to the Enterprise plan.
- The desktop app covers macOS and Windows only; no Linux app was found.

## Novastart strengths

- Agents work with a visible cursor and can be paused, steered or taken over
- Permanent free plan with all apps available
- Pro at $10 per month removes canvas limits
- Local-first design keeps canvas contents on the user's machine
- Peer-to-peer canvas sharing with per-person cursors

## Novastart limitations

- The app is a full computer in a window and the site warns to expect some lag
- App supports only Windows and Intel Macs, and needs 8 GB RAM and virtualization
- Novastart OS replaces the existing system on the PC it is installed on
- Agent use costs extra on every plan and needs credits of $25 or more
- Young product launched in September 2026 with little independent review history

## FAQ

**Is Circleback better than Novastart?**

It depends on your workflow. Circleback is built for Teams that want automatic meeting notes and CRM or task-tracker updates via bot-free recording. Novastart is built for keeping many apps and projects organized in saved workspaces, watching AI agents work step by step, sharing a live workspace with teammates.

**What are the key feature differences between Circleback and Novastart?**

Circleback: AI meeting notes, action items and automations that work with or without a bot. Novastart: Infinite canvas desktop where your apps, teammates and AI agents share one workspace.

**Does Circleback or Novastart have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Circleback is freemium and Novastart is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Circleback or Novastart?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.