Snip-ItsSnip-Its vs Other Text Expanders
See how Snip-Its compares to TextExpander, Alfred, Espanso, PhraseExpress, and aText on features, privacy, and price.
Feature Comparison
A factual, side-by-side look at what each tool offers.
| Feature | Snip-Its | TextExpander | Alfred | Espanso | PhraseExpress | aText |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free / $24/yr | ~$40/yr | $34 once | Free (OSS) | Free / ~$50/yr | $4.99/yr |
| Python Scripting | ||||||
| JavaScript Scripting | ||||||
| Fill Form / Input Fields | ||||||
| Local-Only Storage | ||||||
| Local Encryption | ||||||
| No Third-Party Tracking | ||||||
| No Account Required | ||||||
| Windows | ||||||
| macOS | ||||||
| Linux | ||||||
| GUI Snippet Manager | ||||||
| Built-in Variables | ||||||
| Free Tier | All features, 5 snip-its | Unlimited (OSS) | Limited |
What Sets Snip-Its Apart
Features that make Snip-Its the most capable text expander at its price point.
Python and JavaScript Variables
Write real scripts in two languages that execute at expansion time. Generate dynamic dates, calculations, API responses, and more. Snip-Its is the only text expander that supports both Python and JavaScript scripting. TextExpander supports JavaScript but not Python; no other competitor supports either. Learn about Python variables or JavaScript variables.
Privacy-First, Local Storage
All data stays on your device. No cloud servers, no remote storage, no tracking. Unlike TextExpander which requires cloud sync and an account, Snip-Its never transmits your text.
$24/year with a Generous Free Tier
Premium costs $2/month billed annually. The free tier includes all features with a 5 snip-it limit and no time restriction. TextExpander charges approximately $40/year with no free tier. See pricing details.
Fill Form Variables
Create interactive snip-its with fill-in-the-blank fields using {{input:field_name}} syntax. A form appears at expansion time so you can fill in dynamic values before the text is inserted.
Learn about Fill Form.
Cross-Platform
Snip-Its runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Alfred is macOS-only. TextExpander does not support Linux. Snip-Its covers all three major desktop platforms. Download for your platform.
No Account Required
Download and start using Snip-Its immediately. No sign-up, no email verification, no cloud account. TextExpander and PhraseExpress require account creation before use.
Common Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about how Snip-Its compares.
How does Snip-Its compare to TextExpander?
Snip-Its costs $24/year compared to TextExpander's approximately $40/year. Snip-Its stores all data locally while TextExpander requires cloud sync. Both support JavaScript scripting and fill-in-the-blank fields, but only Snip-Its supports Python scripting. TextExpander does not support Linux; Snip-Its does.
Is Snip-Its really free?
Yes. The free tier includes all features with a limit of 5 snip-its. There is no time limit, no credit card required, and no account needed. Premium ($24/year) unlocks unlimited snip-its.
Does Snip-Its work on Linux?
Yes. Snip-Its is available as an AppImage for 64-bit Linux systems. TextExpander and Alfred do not offer Linux support.
Can I run custom scripts in my snippets?
Yes. Snip-Its supports custom variables defined in both Python and JavaScript. Your scripts execute at expansion time and their output is inserted into your text. TextExpander supports JavaScript but not Python. No other text expander supports both languages.
Is my data stored in the cloud?
No. Snip-Its stores all data locally on your device. There is no cloud sync, no remote servers, and no account required. Your text never leaves your machine.
What happens if I stop paying for Premium?
Your snip-its remain on your device. You revert to the free tier, which limits you to 5 active snip-its but retains all features. No data is deleted.
Try Snip-Its Free
Download Snip-Its with all features included. Upgrade to Premium when you need unlimited snip-its.