kitio.aiMacGPT vs Short Circuit
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. MacGPT starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit 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
- Global ChatGPT text field
- Inline replies in any text field
- Menubar access to ChatGPT
- Copy full conversations
- Voice conversation mode
- Siri and Shortcuts support
- Per-chat personas
- Model selection
- Built-in fact checking
- Lifetime unlock option
| Feature | MacGPT | Short Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ChatGPT in your Mac menubar with a global shortcut | ChatGPT app for iPhone, iPad and Mac with Siri support |
| Category | Chat assistants | Chat assistants |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | No | No, trial available |
| Made by | MacGPT | Red Panda Club |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Pricing compared
MacGPT starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit starts at See pricing page. 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
MacGPT
- Fast access from any app
- Types answers into other apps
- Works with the website or the API
- Mac only
- Requires a ChatGPT account or API key
- Pricing is not shown on the homepage
Short Circuit
- Works across iPhone, iPad and Mac
- One-time lifetime unlock with your own key
- Opts out of OpenAI training
- Apple platforms only
- Lifetime option needs your own OpenAI token
- Site text refers to older GPT-4 models
Which one should you choose?
Choose MacGPT if you want:
- Fast access from any app
- Types answers into other apps
- Works with the website or the API
Watch out: mac only.
Choose Short Circuit if you want:
- Works across iPhone, iPad and Mac
- One-time lifetime unlock with your own key
- Opts out of OpenAI training
Watch out: apple platforms only.
MacGPT vs Short Circuit FAQ
What is the difference between MacGPT and Short Circuit?
MacGPT: ChatGPT in your Mac menubar with a global shortcut. Short Circuit: ChatGPT app for iPhone, iPad and Mac with Siri support. Both are chat assistants tools.
Is MacGPT or Short Circuit cheaper?
MacGPT starts at See pricing page and Short Circuit starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do MacGPT and Short Circuit have free plans?
MacGPT: No. Short Circuit: No, trial available.
Who makes MacGPT?
MacGPT is made by MacGPT.
Who makes Short Circuit?
Short Circuit is made by Red Panda Club.
Which should I choose, MacGPT or Short Circuit?
Choose MacGPT if you value fast access from any app and types answers into other apps. Choose Short Circuit if you value works across iphone, ipad and mac and one-time lifetime unlock with your own key.