Compare Retext and typedesk 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 typedesk if you need support and sales teams with shared replies.
typedesk is built for support teams on Windows, Mac and the browser, with folder permissions and a search popup for finding replies. Retext is a native Mac app, keeps snippets on your Mac by default, and adds on-device dictation and Tab autocomplete (beta). Retext Teams has a flat price per tier, while typedesk charges per user.
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:
Canned responses and text shortcuts for support and sales teams, on Windows, Mac and the browser
Pricing:
Premium $8/user/month, or $5/user/month billed yearly; Premium +AI $20/month, or $14/month billed yearly; Enterprise by quote
Free tier: Unlimited templates, 50 uses a week, one user
Runs on: Mac, Windows and Web
Best for:
| Feature | Retext | typedesk |
|---|---|---|
| Snippet Expansion | ||
| AI Generation | ||
| Voice Dictation | Not available | |
| Inline Autocomplete | Beta | Not available |
| 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 |
| typedesk | Per Seat | Premium $8/user/month, or $5/user/month billed yearly; Premium +AI $20/month, or $14/month billed yearly; Enterprise by quote | Unlimited templates, 50 uses a week, one user |
Per-seat pricing adds up
typedesk charges per user, which can get expensive for teams or power users with multiple devices. Retext's flat pricing means you always know what you'll pay.
We couldn't find a self-service export in typedesk's help docs. Ask their support for a copy of your templates, or plan to recreate them in Retext. Variables need rebuilding with Retext's fields, like {fill:Label} and {date}.
typedesk is built for support teams on Windows, Mac and the browser, with folder permissions and a search popup for finding replies. Retext is a native Mac app, keeps snippets on your Mac by default, and adds on-device dictation and Tab autocomplete (beta). Retext Teams has a flat price per tier, while typedesk charges per user.
Yes. typedesk's free option: unlimited templates, 50 uses a week, one user. Paid: Premium $8/user/month, or $5/user/month billed yearly; Premium +AI $20/month, or $14/month billed yearly; Enterprise by quote.
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.
typedesk runs on Mac, Windows and Web. Retext runs on Mac.
typedesk is the better fit for support and sales teams with shared replies, mixed Windows and Mac teams and teams that want folder permissions. Choose Retext if you want AI to help generate snippets.
We couldn't find a self-service export in typedesk's help docs. Ask their support for a copy of your templates, or plan to recreate them in Retext. Variables need rebuilding with Retext's fields, like {fill:Label} and {date}.
Get started with text expansion. Free to try with up to 5 snippets. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited snippets and AI-generated content.
Sources
typedesk, checked October 28, 2026: typedesk pricing · typedesk · typedesk security · typedesk import help
Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.