Velja vs Wavebox

Velja

• Mac users who keep separate browsers or profiles for work and personal use
• Sending meeting and design links straight to their desktop apps
• People who want links from one app, such as Slack, to open in a set browser

Wavebox

• Virtual assistants and agencies working across many client accounts
• People who live in several Gmail, Slack or Teams accounts at once
• Teams that want a shared, pre-configured browser for new hires

Velja

• Mac only, and the current version requires macOS 26 or later. Older versions are free but stop at macOS 15.
• It cannot handle links clicked inside a browser unless you add the Velja browser extension or use a workaround.
• Safari profiles, Arc spaces and Firefox profiles created with about:profiles are not supported.
• Rules do not sync through iCloud; they can only be exported and imported manually. The app is not localized.

Wavebox

• The free Basic plan stops at 2 groups with 2 apps in each, 1 extension and 1 dashboard.
• The pricing page shows annual-billing rates only; monthly billing is offered, but its price is not listed there.
• Wavebox is a desktop browser for macOS, Windows and Linux; no mobile app is listed.
• The Mac version requires macOS 12 Monterey or later.

Velja

Browser prompt

A prompt lists your browsers when you click a link, and you pick one by mouse, number or an assigned letter key. It can be reserved for a modifier key or for links matched by a rule.

Custom link rules

Rules open links in a chosen browser by URL pattern, by the app the link was clicked in, or both: for example, every link clicked in Slack can open in a Chrome work profile.

Browser profiles and private windows

Opens links in a specific profile of Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi and other Chromium-based browsers, and of Firefox and Zen with new-style profiles, or in a private window.

Links to desktop apps

Links to services such as Zoom, Figma, Linear, Asana and Discord can open directly in the matching desktop app instead of a browser tab.

Tracking parameter removal

Strips more than 200 common tracking parameters from clicked and copied links, and can expand short URLs so that rules match the final destination.

Shortcuts and scripting

A Set Default Browser action for the Shortcuts app, a Focus Filter and a custom URL scheme automate browser switching, and JavaScript can rewrite URLs before or after rules match.

Wavebox

Apps, groups and Spaces

Web apps sit in a sidebar and are grouped much like apps on a phone, and Spaces keep separate setups for work, home or individual clients.

Several accounts signed in at once

Multiple accounts of the same service, such as Gmail, Slack, Microsoft Teams or Asana, stay signed in side by side without switching browsers or profiles.

Unread badges and notifications

Apps show unread badges and desktop notifications, the Wavebox Mini menu lists what is new across accounts, and Focus Mode silences them for a while.

Split screen and tab strips

Any app or tab can be split into resizable panes, including two accounts of the same type, and every group has its own tab strip.

AI assistant on the page

A chosen AI engine works in the context of the current app or tab, with ready-made skills in the right-click menu and custom skills. It can be disabled.

Chrome extensions and team setups

Extensions install from the Chrome Web Store, with 20 or more built in. Teams can share an app setup with encrypted passwords and manage the browser remotely.

Velja

• Velja$10

  one-time purchase

  The current version from the Mac App Store, for macOS 26 or later. Older versions for macOS 12 to 15 are free but will not run on newer systems.

Wavebox

• Basic$0

  Work and Home spaces, 2 groups with 2 apps in each, 1 extension and one dashboard.

• Wavebox Pro$8.33

  per month, paid annually

  For individuals: unlimited spaces, groups and apps, all extensions, cloud sync and unlimited dashboards. The help center puts the annual charge at $99.

• Teams$12.50

  per user / month; $150 per seat when paid annually

  Everything in Pro plus Connect, shared dashboards, Wavebox Live, consolidated billing and an admin portal. Monthly billing is offered at a rate not shown.

Velja

• Education

  50% off for schools buying 20 or more copies

  The developer's discounts page says educational institutions get 50% off his App Store apps when they buy 20 or more copies of one app through Apple School Manager.

Wavebox

• Education

  70% discount for education

  People in full-time education or working in education can claim 70% off by starting a 7-day trial with an education email address and then emailing support.

• Nonprofit

  70% discount for non-profits

  Non-profit teams and people working in the non-profit sector can claim 70% off by starting a 7-day trial with a .org email address and then emailing support.