Espanso vs Typinator

Espanso

• People who move between Windows, macOS and Linux and want one text expander
• Developers who want snippets that run shell commands or scripts
• Users who prefer snippets stored locally in plain files

Typinator

• Mac users who want snippets kept on their own devices, not a vendor's servers
• People who want a one-time price for a Mac-only text expander
• Teams sharing standard replies and spelling corrections across Macs and iPhones

Espanso

• There is no graphical editor: snippets and settings are written in YAML files. The site says a GUI is planned.
• Sync is manual. The docs describe moving the configuration folder into a cloud folder such as Dropbox and linking to it.
• It supports Windows, macOS and Linux only; the installation page lists no mobile apps.
• Wayland support on Linux is labeled experimental in the project's README.

Typinator

• There is no free plan. Without a license account the app runs in a trial mode that limits expansions.
• Basic and Advanced are for private use only; work use needs the Business plan at $59.99 per user a year.
• The iPhone and iPad app needs an Advanced or Business subscription. The one-time Basic license is Mac only and covers one major version.
• Windows is in public beta and described as not ready for production use. Typinator 10 needs macOS 13, and the iOS app needs iOS 18.

Espanso

Keyword-triggered expansion

Detects a trigger keyword as it is typed and replaces it in place, in most applications. Triggers can also be written as regular expressions.

Search bar

Pressing ALT+Space opens a search bar for finding and inserting a snippet when you do not remember its trigger.

Dates, shell commands and scripts

Snippets can insert past or future dates and the output of shell commands or custom scripts directly into the application being typed in.

Forms

A match can open a form with text fields, choice boxes and list boxes. The values entered fill the template and can be passed on to a script.

Packages and Espanso Hub

A built-in package manager installs community packages from the Espanso Hub, such as emoji, accents, mathematical symbols and HTML snippets.

File-based, app-specific configuration

Matches and options are defined in YAML files, and separate configuration files can change or disable behavior for individual applications.

Typinator

Abbreviation expansion

Typing an abbreviation such as addr or sig inserts the stored text block, image or code snippet. It works system-wide on macOS and iOS, online or offline.

Variables and forms

Snippets can include dates, clipboard content and custom fields, and interactive forms with dropdown menus, then place the cursor automatically.

Quick Search

Finds snippets by keyword, or suggests them as you type, and inserts the result without leaving the current app.

Automatic typo correction

Predefined autocorrection sets fix common typos in several languages, and custom corrections can be added for brand names and technical terms.

Scripts and AI prompts

Abbreviations can run AppleScript, Python or shell scripts, or hold prompts for ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. Apple Intelligence can help write and translate snippets.

Local storage, chosen sync

Snippets stay on the device. Sync is optional through iCloud, Dropbox, OneDrive, a NAS or WebDAV, and sets can be shared with a team through shared links.

Espanso

• Espanso$0

  The complete text expander for Windows, macOS and Linux, including the search bar, forms, scripts and the package manager.

Typinator

• Basic$49.99

  one-time payment, excl. VAT

  Mac only and for private use. One user on up to 2 devices, with minor updates and fixes within the current major version.

• Advanced$29.99

  per year, excl. VAT

  Mac and iOS apps for private use. One user on up to 3 devices, with major version upgrades and product email support.

• Business$59.99

  per user / year, excl. VAT

  For professional use: up to 5 devices per user, VAT invoicing, centralized license administration and priority support.

• EnterpriseCustom

  Everything in Business plus single sign-on, onboarding support and customized training, arranged with the vendor.

Espanso

No public discounts listed.

Typinator

• Other savings

  Productivity Suite with PopChar and KeyCue

  The Advanced Suite bundles Typinator, PopChar and KeyCue for $44.99 a year, shown against $69.97. The Business Suite is $89.99 per user a year, shown against $139.97.

• Other savings

  Reduced-price upgrade from older versions

  Owners of a license key for a previous major version qualify for an upgrade to the latest major version at a reduced price.