Compare Retext and PhraseExpress side-by-side. See which text expander is the best fit for your workflow.
Choose Retext if you want AI-powered snippet generation, a native Mac app, and straightforward pricing.
Choose PhraseExpress if you need people who don't want a subscription.
PhraseExpress has deeper macros than Retext, a one-time license, and a Windows version, and it can share phrases from your own SQL Server. Retext is a simpler, Mac-first app, with on-device dictation, Tab autocomplete (beta), and Teams with roles at a flat price per tier. Both can keep your snippets on your own computer.
Snippets, dictation, autocomplete (beta) and notes in one native Mac app, on-device by default
Pricing:
Free (5 snippets), Pro $4.99/mo ($29.99/yr), Lifetime $49.99, Teams from $19.99/mo
Free tier: 5 snippets, 1 free AI generation, basic text expansion
Runs on: Mac
Best for:
Long-running text expander for Windows and Mac with macros, input forms and server-based team sharing
Pricing:
One-time license per user in Standard, Professional or Enterprise editions, with 12 months of updates; prices are shown only at checkout
Free tier: Free for personal home use; commercial use needs a license. The iPhone app is free
Runs on: Mac, Windows and iPhone
Best for:
| Feature | Retext | PhraseExpress |
|---|---|---|
| Snippet Expansion | ||
| AI Generation | ||
| Voice Dictation | Not available | |
| Inline Autocomplete | Beta | |
| Variables & Placeholders | ||
| Folder Organization | ||
| Team Sharing | ||
| Cross-Platform | ||
| Native Performance | ||
| Privacy & Local Storage | ||
| Customization | ||
| Ease of Use |
| Product | Pricing Model | Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retext | Freemium | Free (5 snippets), Pro $4.99/mo ($29.99/yr), Lifetime $49.99, Teams from $19.99/mo | 5 snippets, 1 free AI generation, basic text expansion |
| PhraseExpress | One-Time | One-time license per user in Standard, Professional or Enterprise editions, with 12 months of updates; prices are shown only at checkout | Free for personal home use; commercial use needs a license. The iPhone app is free |
PhraseExpress exports folders as a .pexdb phrase file, which Retext can't read, and its text export works one phrase at a time and needs Microsoft Word. Plan to recreate your snippets in Retext. Macros with logic and loops don't have a match; {fill:Label}, {date} and {clipboard} cover the common cases.
Export format: PhraseExpress phrase file (.pexdb)
PhraseExpress has deeper macros than Retext, a one-time license, and a Windows version, and it can share phrases from your own SQL Server. Retext is a simpler, Mac-first app, with on-device dictation, Tab autocomplete (beta), and Teams with roles at a flat price per tier. Both can keep your snippets on your own computer.
Yes. PhraseExpress's free option: free for personal home use; commercial use needs a license. The iPhone app is free. Paid: One-time license per user in Standard, Professional or Enterprise editions, with 12 months of updates; prices are shown only at checkout.
Yes. Retext's free plan includes 5 snippets, 1 free AI generation, basic text expansion. Free (5 snippets), Pro $4.99/mo ($29.99/yr), Lifetime $49.99, Teams from $19.99/mo.
PhraseExpress runs on Mac, Windows and iPhone. Retext runs on Mac.
PhraseExpress is the better fit for people who don't want a subscription, offices that want to host shared phrases on their own server and complex templates with logic and calculations. Choose Retext if you want AI to help generate snippets.
PhraseExpress exports folders as a .pexdb phrase file, which Retext can't read, and its text export works one phrase at a time and needs Microsoft Word. Plan to recreate your snippets in Retext. Macros with logic and loops don't have a match; {fill:Label}, {date} and {clipboard} cover the common cases.
Get started with text expansion. Free to try with up to 5 snippets. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited snippets and AI-generated content.
Sources
PhraseExpress, checked October 28, 2026: PhraseExpress for Mac · PhraseExpress for Mac shop · PhraseExpress shop FAQ · Export a phrase file (Mac)
Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.