AutoKey vs TextExpander

AutoKey is a Linux desktop automation utility for X11/Xorg. Hotkeys and typed abbreviations can start scripts, insert phrases, or show a pop-up menu. Phrases expand into text at the cursor and can include key combinations, special keys, and characters. Scripts are small Python programs that can start applications, send commands to a running window, resize windows, or reposition the cursor. AutoKey provides GTK and Qt interfaces and supports use of phrases, scripts, and abbreviations across applications. Its Python API can send keys simultaneously or in sequence; the documentation recommends using the clipboard to enter generated text when possible. It can be installed through Debian packages, Arch or Gentoo packages, pip, or a cloned repository. AutoKey is free under GNU GPL version 3. It requires X11 rather than Wayland, and abbreviations are limited to the most recent 150 typed keys. Applications built with pure X11 toolkits generally ignore its synthetic events, and the documentation notes known keyboard-layout problems with Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese.

TextExpander turns short keystrokes into saved Snippets that expand across devices and apps. It supports macOS, Windows, Chrome, Linux through a Chrome extension, iPhone and iPad, and a web app. The Free plan lasts indefinitely without a credit card and allows five active Snippets; free users can swap one active Snippet every two weeks. Free sharing covers up to five team members across three teams. New accounts preview advanced features for 30 days, then move to Free automatically with five Snippets remaining active. Pro costs $5.00 per month per user when billed annually, and Business costs $10.00 per month per user when billed annually; both include unlimited active Snippets and teams. Paid plans add dynamic content such as date math and JavaScript. Enterprise has custom pricing and can include SSO, SCIM, and customized reporting. Support includes community and email, with priority support on paid plans. Prices are in USD and exclude tax; VAT or GST may be added at checkout.