RewriteBar vs Rephrase
| RewriteBar | Rephrase | |
|---|---|---|
| How you start it | Select text and press a shortcut to open its window, then pick an action. Shortcuts can also apply an action directly, and a PopClip extension is available (RewriteBar: Home) | Select text, press ⌃⌥R, then press Return to paste the rewrite back. Works in any app where ⌘C works. |
| What it does | Grammar, tone, clarity, rewriting, and translation, plus custom actions you build (RewriteBar: Home) | Rewrites the selection in one of four styles, or lets Auto pick the style. No translation. |
| AI model | Your own API key from one of 38+ providers, a local model through Ollama, LM Studio, or Apple's on-device model, or RewriteBar's Gateway models without a key (RewriteBar: Home) | Chosen by Rephrase. No API key or model to set up, and no model choice. |
| Where your text goes | With your own key, straight from your Mac to the provider. With a local model, it stays on your Mac. The site says RewriteBar doesn't store your text (RewriteBar: Home) | Our API and Google Gemini. With Auto on (the default), part of it also goes to TypeSafe. |
| Cost | One-time purchase with unlimited updates. Standard is $29 for one device. Pro is $59 for three devices and includes one year of Gateway. Gateway alone is $40 a year. There is a free trial (RewriteBar: Pricing) | No account for the first 10 rephrases. Free for 20 rephrases a month; Pro $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, with a 7-day trial on your first Pro subscription |
When RewriteBar is the better choice
- You want to pick your model. RewriteBar works with your own API key from many providers, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, and OpenRouter (RewriteBar: Home).
- You want to run models locally. It runs local models through Ollama, LM Studio, or the Apple on-device model. With a local model, your text stays on your Mac (RewriteBar: Home).
- You want translation or your own actions. It translates, and you can build custom actions (RewriteBar: Home).
- You use PopClip. RewriteBar has a PopClip extension (RewriteBar: Home).
- You prefer to pay once. RewriteBar is a one-time purchase with unlimited updates (RewriteBar: Pricing).
When Rephrase fits better
- You don't want to manage API keys or choose models. There is nothing to configure. Install Rephrase, grant Accessibility permission, and start.
- You want one keyboard flow with a preview. Select text, press ⌃⌥R, read the rewrite, and press Return to paste it back. The shortcut works in any app where ⌘C works, and you can change it in Settings.
- You want Auto to pick the tone. Pick Professional, Friendly, Concise, or Fix grammar, or leave Auto on and let Rephrase pick one for each rewrite. See what each style does.
- You want to start free. There is nothing to buy. The first 10 rephrases need no account. After that, the Free plan gives you 20 rephrases a month.
What you give up with Rephrase
- It is cloud only, with no local or offline mode. Your text is processed by our API and Google's Gemini API. We never store it. With Auto on, part of it also goes to TypeSafe, which may keep it. The privacy notice has the details.
- There is no model choice. Rephrase picks the model.
- It rewrites and fixes grammar. It does not translate, summarize, or compose new text.
- Unlimited use is a subscription. The Free plan stops at 20 rephrases a month. Pro has no monthly limit and costs $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year, with a 7-day trial on your first Pro subscription.
- After your first 10 rephrases, you sign in with Google or email to keep going.
Looking at other options too? See four ways to rewrite selected text on a Mac, or how Rephrase compares with Apple Writing Tools.
