kitio.aiKerlig vs Effie
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Kerlig starts at $49 one-time and Effie starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Hotkey writing assistant
- Custom actions
- 350+ model choices
- Local model support
- MCP servers
- Agentic Mode
- Distraction-free editor
- Outline to mind map
- AI summarise and expand
- Style polish and translation
- Multi-format export
- Offline cloud sync
| Feature | Kerlig | Effie |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Mac app that writes and proofreads in your tone across any app | Distraction-free writing app with outlines, mind maps and AI |
| Category | Writing | Writing |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | $49 one-time | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | Kerlig | Effie |
| Based in | – | China |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Kerlig starts at $49 one-time and Effie starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
1 plan
Kerlig license
$49 one-time
- One-time purchase
- macOS 12 or later
- Bring your own API keys
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
Kerlig
- Works in any Mac app
- Use your own API keys and models
- Chat history stored on your Mac
- Mac only
- Model usage billed by your AI provider
- Agentic Mode needs screen access
Effie
- Writing, outlines and mind maps in one app
- Works offline and syncs across devices
- Exports to several formats
- Site and interface are in Chinese
- Pricing is not shown on the homepage
- AI features are secondary to the editor
Which one should you choose?
Choose Kerlig if you want:
- Works in any Mac app
- Use your own API keys and models
- Chat history stored on your Mac
Watch out: mac only.
Choose Effie if you want:
- Writing, outlines and mind maps in one app
- Works offline and syncs across devices
- Exports to several formats
Watch out: site and interface are in chinese.
Kerlig vs Effie FAQ
What is the difference between Kerlig and Effie?
Kerlig: Mac app that writes and proofreads in your tone across any app. Effie: Distraction-free writing app with outlines, mind maps and AI. Both are writing tools.
Is Kerlig or Effie cheaper?
Kerlig starts at $49 one-time and Effie starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Kerlig and Effie have free plans?
Kerlig: No. Effie: Yes.
Who makes Kerlig?
Kerlig is made by Kerlig.
Who makes Effie?
Effie is made by Effie, based in China.
Which should I choose, Kerlig or Effie?
Choose Kerlig if you value works in any mac app and use your own api keys and models. Choose Effie if you value writing, outlines and mind maps in one app and works offline and syncs across devices.