kitio.aiPaletteBrain vs SurfMind
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time and SurfMind starts at $10/mo. 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 keyboard shortcut
- Custom AI commands
- Grammar and translation actions
- Bring your own API key
- One-time licence
- Page-aware chat
- 100+ models and local LLMs
- Cited answers
- Browser actions
- MCP and skills
| Feature | PaletteBrain | SurfMind |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key | Browser extension that chats about any page with 100+ AI models |
| Category | Productivity | Productivity |
| Pricing model | Paid | Freemium |
| Starting price | $29 one-time | $10/mo |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Made by | PaletteBrain | SurfMind |
| Based in | – | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
|
Pricing compared
PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time and SurfMind starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Free
Free
- Page-aware chat
- Any AI provider or local LLM
- Basic MCP and skills
Pro Monthly
$10/mo
- 800 SurfMind credits a month
- Hosted models and image generation
- Browser actions
Pro Lifetime
$39 one-time
- Browser actions
- Early feature access
- No credits included
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
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
SurfMind
- Free tier with your own API keys
- Supports local models
- One-time lifetime option
- Lifetime plan excludes hosted credits
- Browser automation is Pro only
- Setup needed to add your own keys
Which one should you choose?
Choose PaletteBrain if you want:
- One payment, no subscription
- Works across all macOS apps
- Custom commands for repeated tasks
Watch out: mac only.
Choose SurfMind if you want:
- Free tier with your own API keys
- Supports local models
- One-time lifetime option
Watch out: lifetime plan excludes hosted credits.
PaletteBrain vs SurfMind FAQ
What is the difference between PaletteBrain and SurfMind?
PaletteBrain: ChatGPT shortcut app for macOS, bought once with your own key. SurfMind: Browser extension that chats about any page with 100+ AI models. Both are productivity tools.
Is PaletteBrain or SurfMind cheaper?
PaletteBrain starts at $29 one-time and SurfMind starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do PaletteBrain and SurfMind have free plans?
PaletteBrain: No. SurfMind: Yes.
Who makes PaletteBrain?
PaletteBrain is made by PaletteBrain.
Who makes SurfMind?
SurfMind is made by SurfMind.
Which should I choose, PaletteBrain or SurfMind?
Choose PaletteBrain if you value one payment, no subscription and works across all macos apps. Choose SurfMind if you value free tier with your own api keys and supports local models.