PopClip vs Raycast

PopClip

• Mac users who select text with the mouse and want actions right at the pointer
• Sending selected text to a notes app, task manager or translator in one click
• People who want to add their own text actions with short snippets

Raycast

• Mac and Windows users who prefer the keyboard to the mouse
• Replacing separate clipboard, snippet and window utilities with one app
• Developers who want to build their own commands and extensions
• Teams that share snippets, quicklinks and internal extensions

PopClip

• macOS only. The latest release requires macOS 13.5 or above, and the developer makes no iPhone, iPad or Windows version.
• The Mac App Store edition stopped at version 2023.9; newer versions come from the website, Setapp or Homebrew.
• A Standard License covers 2 years of updates. After that you keep the last version received and need a new license for later ones.
• It does not appear when text is selected with the keyboard alone unless you use its shortcut, and it needs the Accessibility permission.

Raycast

• AI is not part of the free plan; Raycast AI, cloud sync and unlimited notes need Pro.
• The free plan keeps 3 months of clipboard history and allows 5 Raycast Notes.
• Top-tier AI models need the Plus or Max tier, at $20 or $50 a month.
• The Windows app does not yet have every macOS feature; Raycast says it is still bringing them across.

PopClip

Appears on text selection

The PopClip bar appears when you select text with the mouse or trackpad in any app. A long press or a keyboard shortcut brings it up without a selection.

Built-in actions

Cut, Copy, Paste, Search, Open Link, Dictionary and Spelling come with the app. Holding Shift cuts, copies or pastes as plain text, and Search can use a custom search URL.

Extensions directory

The directory lists 287 extensions that add actions for translation, notes, tasks, AI tools and more. Extensions installed from it can update automatically.

Snippets and custom extensions

An extension can be written as a plain-text snippet and installed by selecting that text, or packaged as a file. Developer docs cover both formats.

Organizing actions

Actions can be rearranged, renamed, restyled, duplicated with different settings and grouped into folders, and auto-appear can be turned off for chosen apps or websites.

iCloud Sync

Syncs installed extensions, the arrangement of the actions list and each action's settings between your Macs. Sign-ins and API keys sync through iCloud Keychain.

Raycast

Launcher with hotkeys and aliases

Open apps, search files and run commands from one keyboard-driven window, and assign hotkeys or aliases to the commands and apps you use most.

Extension store

Thousands of extensions for tools such as Linear, Slack, Notion and Spotify. The extension API lets anyone with web development skills build their own.

Clipboard history, snippets, quicklinks

Built-in utilities included in the free plan. Free keeps clipboard history for 3 months.

Window management

Window management commands are part of the free core features; creating custom window management commands needs Pro.

Raycast AI

Pro adds Quick AI and AI Chat on a monthly credit allowance. A browser extension for Safari, Chrome, Firefox and Chromium browsers passes the active tab to the AI.

Notes and iOS companion app

Raycast Notes captures quick thoughts: 5 notes on Free and unlimited on Pro. The iOS app carries AI, notes, snippets and quicklinks; syncing them across devices needs Pro.

PopClip

• Standard License$12

  one-time purchase, 2 years of free updates (US price)

  Updates for 2 years, after which you keep the last version you received. Personal license for up to 5 Macs, with iCloud sync.

• Lifetime License$32

  one-time purchase, lifetime free updates (US price)

  Never expires and includes all future versions. Personal license for up to 5 Macs, with iCloud sync.

• Setapp subscription$14.99

  per month + tax, for the whole Setapp catalog

  PopClip is also included in Setapp, a subscription that bundles it with dozens of other apps.

Raycast

• Free$0

  Core launcher features, thousands of extensions, custom extensions, 3 months of clipboard history and 5 Raycast Notes. No AI.

• Pro$96

  per year, or $10 / month billed monthly

  Raycast AI with 500 credits a month, cloud sync, dictation, translator, custom themes, unlimited notes and custom window management commands.

• Pro (Plus tier)$192

  per year, or $20 / month billed monthly

  Pro features with 3,000 AI credits a month and access to top-tier AI models.

• Pro (Max tier)$480

  per year, or $50 / month billed monthly

  Pro features with 7,500 AI credits a month and access to top-tier AI models.

• Teams Pro$144

  per user / year, or $15 / user / month billed monthly

  Pro for each member plus unlimited shared commands and a private store. Plus and Max tiers cost more; a free Teams plan caps sharing at 30 snippets and 30 quicklinks.

• EnterpriseCustom

  Teams Pro plus an AI Control Center and admin controls such as SAML/SCIM, domain capture, enforced 2FA and extension and IP allow-lists.

PopClip

• Education

  Half-price Standard License for students

  Students in full-time education can claim a half-price 2-year Standard License, which also brings a 25% discount on a later Lifetime License upgrade.

• Lifetime license

  Lifetime License with all future updates

  The Lifetime License is a one-time purchase that never expires and includes free updates to all future versions of PopClip.

• Other savings

  Volume pricing for teams

  Teams and organizations can buy a multi-user license key at a discounted rate by emailing the developer for a quote.

• Other savings

  Free 1-year license on request

  The developer says that people who have used up the trial and cannot afford to buy can email him for a free 1-year license.

• Other savings

  Lower prices in listed countries

  Prices are set 20% or 40% lower in a published list of countries and are applied automatically by location. Other discounts come off that lower price.

Raycast

• Annual discount

  Annual billing saves 20%

  Pro is $96 a year against $10 a month, which is $120 over twelve months. Teams Pro is $144 per user a year against $15 per user a month. Both work out 20% cheaper.

• Education

  50% off Pro for verified students

  Raycast's pricing FAQ says verified students get a 50% discount on the Pro plan through an application form.