Espanso vs TextExpander

Espanso detects configured keywords as they are typed and replaces them with saved text. It supports reusable templates for customer support replies, sales pitches, and medical reports, while a search bar opened with Alt+Space helps users find and insert snippets. Snippets can also insert dates, including past and future dates, or emoji shortcuts. They may run shell commands or custom scripts, and forms can pass values to scripts. Users can install or build reusable packages through Espanso Hub, which includes a package manager and store. Espanso says it works with most applications and supports app-specific configurations. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and costs nothing under the GPL-3 open-source license. Configuration is handled through YAML files; a graphical interface is described as planned for the future. Users can sync configuration through cloud storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive, or through GitHub, although the unmanaged-directory method is experimental. The software ships with very few built-in matches, and some trigger types remain unsupported.

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.