kitio.aiEthertext vs PaletteBrain
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Ethertext is completely free, while PaletteBrain is paid.
At a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Clipboard transforms
- Tone and style presets
- Code explain and debug
- Voice dictation
- Screen text capture
- Memorize and recall
- Global keyboard shortcut
- Custom AI commands
- Grammar and translation actions
- Bring your own API key
- One-time licence
| Feature | Ethertext | PaletteBrain |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mac menu bar tool that rewrites whatever is on your clipboard | ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $29 one-time |
| Free plan | Yes, fully free | No |
| Made by | Ethertext | PaletteBrain |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Ethertext is completely free, while PaletteBrain is paid.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
Prices in USD, checked Oct 29, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Ethertext
- Works with any app through the clipboard
- Supports local models via Ollama
- Choice of three AI providers
- Free to download
- macOS 14 or later only
- You pay your AI provider for API use
- Needs your own API key
PaletteBrain
- One payment, no subscription
- Works across all macOS apps
- Custom commands for repeated tasks
- Mac only
- Needs your own API key and usage costs
- Launch price may rise to a yearly fee
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ethertext if you want:
- Works with any app through the clipboard
- Supports local models via Ollama
- Choice of three AI providers
Watch out: macos 14 or later only.
Choose PaletteBrain if you want:
- One payment, no subscription
- Works across all macOS apps
- Custom commands for repeated tasks
Watch out: mac only.
Ethertext vs PaletteBrain FAQ
What is the difference between Ethertext and PaletteBrain?
Ethertext: Mac menu bar tool that rewrites whatever is on your clipboard. PaletteBrain: ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key. Both are productivity tools.
Is Ethertext or PaletteBrain cheaper?
Ethertext is completely free, while PaletteBrain is paid.
Do Ethertext and PaletteBrain have free plans?
Ethertext: Yes, fully free. PaletteBrain: No.
Who makes Ethertext?
Ethertext is made by Ethertext.
Who makes PaletteBrain?
PaletteBrain is made by PaletteBrain.
Which should I choose, Ethertext or PaletteBrain?
Choose Ethertext if you value works with any app through the clipboard and supports local models via ollama. Choose PaletteBrain if you value one payment, no subscription and works across all macos apps.