PhraseExpress vs TextExpander
PhraseExpress
phraseexpress.com
TextExpander
textexpander.comSide by side
| Figure | PhraseExpress | TextExpander |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $5/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 4 |
| Spec score · Text Expansion Software | 9.0 (#3) | 8.6 (#6) |
| Spec score · Text expanders | 9.4 (#2) | 9.4 (#1) |
| Spec score · Text Expanders Software | 9.0 (#2) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | PhraseExpress supports Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL, Amazon SQL, Citrix/TerminalServer, Microsoft Azure Entra, and cloud sync services including Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. | The page lists Zendesk, Salesforce, Epic, Cerner, and HelpScout. |
| Platforms | The maker lists versions for Windows, Apple Mac, and iPhone/iPad; the website says advertised features refer to Windows unless specified otherwise. | Works on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, and Chrome. |
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, iPhone/iPad | macOS, Windows, Chrome, Linux via Chrome extension, iPhone and iPad, web app |
| Team snippet sharing | Yes | Yes |
Plans
PhraseExpress
- iOS appFree
- PhraseExpress for iOSFree
- Standard$99.95, paid once
- Professional$149.95, paid once
- Enterprise$249.95, paid once
- PhraseExpress Enterprise Edition$249.95, paid once
- PhraseExpress Professional EditionPrice not published
- PhraseExpress Standard EditionPrice not published
TextExpander
- FreeFree
- Pro$5 a month
- Business$10 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
PhraseExpress
PhraseExpress stores reusable text templates and expands abbreviations into longer phrases in other programs. On Windows, snippets can be arranged in multi-level folders and triggered by hotkeys, abbreviations, application windows, clipboard contents or scheduled times. Windows tools also include a macro recorder integration, document generator, input forms, clipboard manager and system-wide spelling correction. PhraseExpress supports database options including Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL and Amazon SQL, plus Citrix/TerminalServer and Microsoft Azure Entra. Cloud sync services include Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive. Third-party online and self-hosted AI tools can translate, shorten, expand, rewrite or create phrases. The maker says the software is installed on premise, sends no text input or saved phrases, and supports end-to-end AES encryption of phrase files. Windows licenses are lifetime one-time purchases with 12 months of updates and upgrades. After 30 days, an unlicensed Windows installation becomes freeware for personal use. The iOS app is free with no feature limitation.
TextExpander
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.