MacCopilot vs PaletteBrain
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MacCopilot starts at See pricing page and PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time. 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
- Screen area selection
- Chat with the selected content
- OpenAI, Claude, Gemini and Ollama support
- Native macOS app
- Global keyboard shortcut
- Custom AI commands
- Grammar and translation actions
- Bring your own API key
- One-time licence
| Feature | MacCopilot | PaletteBrain |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Select any screen area on a Mac and ask AI about it | ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $29 one-time |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Made by | MacCopilot | PaletteBrain |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
MacCopilot starts at See pricing page and PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
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
MacCopilot
- Asks about what is on your screen
- Works with your own models
- Supports local Ollama models
- Mac only
- Model costs come from your own provider
- Pricing not shown on the homepage
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 MacCopilot if you want:
- Asks about what is on your screen
- Works with your own models
- Supports local Ollama models
Watch out: mac only.
Choose PaletteBrain if you want:
- One payment, no subscription
- Works across all macOS apps
- Custom commands for repeated tasks
Watch out: mac only.
MacCopilot vs PaletteBrain FAQ
What is the difference between MacCopilot and PaletteBrain?
MacCopilot: Select any screen area on a Mac and ask AI about it. PaletteBrain: ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key. Both are productivity tools.
Is MacCopilot or PaletteBrain cheaper?
MacCopilot starts at See pricing page and PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MacCopilot and PaletteBrain have free plans?
MacCopilot: No. PaletteBrain: No.
Who makes MacCopilot?
MacCopilot is made by MacCopilot.
Who makes PaletteBrain?
PaletteBrain is made by PaletteBrain.
Which should I choose, MacCopilot or PaletteBrain?
Choose MacCopilot if you value asks about what is on your screen and works with your own models. Choose PaletteBrain if you value one payment, no subscription and works across all macos apps.