Retext

Best macOS Text Replacement Alternatives in 2025

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

TL;DR

The best macOS Text Replacement 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 macOS Text Replacement Alternatives

  • Can't organize snippets at all
  • No way to search through replacements
  • Breaks with multi-line text
  • No way to export or backup
  • Gets unwieldy with many entries
  • Too basic for real productivity

All macOS Text Replacement 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 macOS Text Replacement

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

Alfred

Productivity app for macOS

Powerful Mac launcher and productivity app with snippet expansion via Powerpack

Free for basic, £34 (~$42) for Powerpack (lifetime), £59 (~$74) Mega SupporterFree 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

Feature Comparison

FeatureRetextmacOS Text ReplacementTextExpanderaTextRocket Typist
Snippet Expansion
AI Generation
Not available
Not availableNot available
Variables & Placeholders
Not available
Folder Organization
Not available
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
macOS Text ReplacementFreeFree, built into macOS
Completely free, included in macOS
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
AlfredOne-TimeFree for basic, £34 (~$42) for Powerpack (lifetime), £59 (~$74) Mega Supporter
Launcher features free, snippets require Powerpack
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

Ready to switch from macOS Text Replacement?

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

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