Retext

Best Alfred Alternatives in 2025

Looking for Alfred alternatives? Compare all the best text expansion tools including pricing, features, and use cases.

TL;DR

The best Alfred alternatives are Retext (for AI-powered snippet generation), TextExpander, and aText. Your best choice depends on whether you need AI features, cross-platform support, or team collaboration.

Why People Look for Alfred Alternatives

  • Overkill if you only need snippets
  • Powerpack required for snippet features
  • Learning curve is significant
  • Snippet management UI could be better
  • Too many features to manage

All Alfred Alternatives

Recommended

Retext

AI-powered text snippet expansion for macOS with intelligent snippet generation

Why choose Retext:

  • Only text expander with built-in AI generation
  • BYOK model - your API key, your costs, your control
  • No subscription lock-in for basic features
  • Built for individual power users, not enterprise teams

Pricing:

$19/month or $99/year for Pro

3 snippets, 5 AI generations per day

Compare Retext vs Alfred

TextExpander

Communicate Smarter

Enterprise-focused text expansion tool with team sharing and snippet libraries

$4.16/user/month billed annually (~$50/year), $6.67/month monthly

aText

Type less, do more

Affordable one-time purchase text expander for Mac with basic snippet features

$5.99 one-time purchase

Rocket Typist

Expand your text

Native Mac text expander with Markdown support and iCloud sync

$9.99/year subscription or available via SetappFree tier

Raycast

Your shortcut to everything

Modern Mac launcher with built-in snippet expansion and AI capabilities

Free for personal use, Pro $8/month for AI and advanced featuresFree tier

Keyboard Maestro

Work Faster with Macros

Powerful Mac automation tool with text expansion as one of many features

$36 one-time purchaseFree tier

Espanso

A cross-platform text expander written in Rust

Open-source, cross-platform text expander configured via YAML files

Free and open sourceFree tier

macOS Text Replacement

Built into your Mac

Built-in macOS feature for simple text replacement across all apps

Free, built into macOSFree tier

Feature Comparison

FeatureRetextAlfredTextExpanderaTextRocket Typist
Snippet Expansion
AI Generation
Not available
Not availableNot available
Variables & Placeholders
Folder Organization
Team SharingNot availableNot available
Not availableNot available
Cross-Platform
Native Performance
Privacy & Local Storage
Customization
Ease of Use

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelPriceFree Tier
RetextFreemium$19/month or $99/year for Pro
3 snippets, 5 AI generations per day
AlfredOne-TimeFree for basic, £34 (~$42) for Powerpack (lifetime), £59 (~$74) Mega Supporter
Launcher features free, snippets require Powerpack
TextExpanderPer Seat$4.16/user/month billed annually (~$50/year), $6.67/month monthly
aTextOne-Time$5.99 one-time purchase
Rocket TypistFlat Rate$9.99/year subscription or available via Setapp
Limited free version available
RaycastFreemiumFree for personal use, Pro $8/month for AI and advanced features
Snippet expansion free, AI requires Pro subscription
Keyboard MaestroOne-Time$36 one-time purchase
Trial available, no ongoing free tier
EspansoOpen SourceFree and open source
Completely free, open source
macOS Text ReplacementFreeFree, built into macOS
Completely free, included in macOS

Ready to switch from Alfred?

Get started with AI-powered text expansion. Free to try with 3 snippets and 5 AI generations per day.

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