kitio.aiCluely vs Criticly
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Cluely starts at $19.99/mo and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Real-time answer suggestions
- Bot-free meeting notes
- Screen-aware context
- Follow-up drafts
- Floating overlay
- Works on text selected in any app
- Interpret, assess and counter tools
- Quiz mode
- Custom prompt tools
- Keyboard shortcut access
| Feature | Cluely | Criticly |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Desktop AI overlay that takes notes and answers questions during calls | Desktop app that critiques any text you select, on Mac and Windows |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Cluely | Criticly |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Cluely starts at $19.99/mo and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free
Free
- Limited AI messages per day
- Limited meeting notetaking
- Up to 3 files
Pro
From $11.99/mo
- Unlimited AI responses
- Unlimited meeting notetaking
- Latest AI models
- Priority support
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Cluely
- Live help during calls
- No bot joins meetings
- Fast responses
- Controversial for interviews and exams
- Undetectable mode is expensive
Criticly
- Free to download with no signup
- Works across many desktop apps
- Says it never stores your text
- No mobile app
- Paid plan details not shown on the homepage
Which one should you choose?
Choose Cluely if you want:
- Live help during calls
- No bot joins meetings
- Fast responses
Watch out: controversial for interviews and exams.
Choose Criticly if you want:
- Free to download with no signup
- Works across many desktop apps
- Says it never stores your text
Watch out: no mobile app.
Cluely vs Criticly FAQ
What is the difference between Cluely and Criticly?
Cluely: Desktop AI overlay that takes notes and answers questions during calls. Criticly: Desktop app that critiques any text you select, on Mac and Windows. Both are productivity tools.
Is Cluely or Criticly cheaper?
Cluely starts at $19.99/mo and Criticly starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Cluely and Criticly have free plans?
Cluely: Yes. Criticly: Yes.
Who makes Cluely?
Cluely is made by Cluely, based in United States.
Who makes Criticly?
Criticly is made by Criticly.
Which should I choose, Cluely or Criticly?
Choose Cluely if you value live help during calls and no bot joins meetings. Choose Criticly if you value free to download with no signup and works across many desktop apps.