NexoPad vs TextExpander: which one is right for you?
TextExpander is the veteran of text expanders. NexoPad is a workspace inside your browser. Here's how they differ.
TextExpander has been helping people type faster for many years and works on Windows, Mac, Chrome, iPhone and iPad. NexoPad lives inside your browser and, on top of shortcuts, brings together your notes, links, page clips and AI.
If you need your shortcuts in desktop apps or on your iPhone, TextExpander has the edge. If you mostly work in the browser and want more than shortcuts, NexoPad may fit you better, with a more generous free plan.
Quick summary
- TextExpander works on Windows, Mac, Chrome, iPhone and iPad: your shortcuts follow you outside the browser.
- NexoPad works inside the browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Brave) and adds notes, links, clips, a side panel, a Notebook and AI.
- Free plan: TextExpander's allows 5 active snippets; NexoPad's offers basic use of snippets, notes and links.
- Pro price: NexoPad costs $49 a year; TextExpander, $60 a year.
Comparison table
| NexoPad | TextExpander | |
|---|---|---|
| Text expansion with shortcuts | Yes | Yes |
| Variable data when inserting | Yes: {{input}}, {{dropdown}}, dates… | Yes: fill-in fields, dates and times |
| Notes, links and page clips | Yes | No |
| AI on selected text | Yes, with your own key from 10 providers | AI features depending on the plan |
| Browsers | Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera and Brave | Chrome |
| Apps outside the browser | No | Windows, Mac, iPhone and iPad |
| Teams | Teams: shared vault, roles and approvals | Business plan |
| Free plan | Yes, basic usage | Yes, 5 active snippets |
| Pro plan | $49/year ($4.08/month) or $7/month | $60/year |
| Team plan | $96/user/year ($8/month) or $12/month | $120/user/year |
The free plans, compared
TextExpander's free plan lets you store as many snippets as you want, but only 5 can be active at once, and you can only change which ones once every two weeks. For real daily use it runs short quickly.
NexoPad's free plan includes basic use of snippets, notes and links, the side panel, floating notes and the AI assistant. If you need variables and unlimited use, the Pro plan comes with a 7-day free trial.
When to choose each
Choose TextExpander if…
You need your shortcuts in Windows or Mac desktop apps, or on iPhone and iPad, as well as in the browser.
Choose NexoPad if…
You mostly work in the browser, want notes, links and AI next to your shortcuts, use Firefox, Edge, Opera or Brave, or want a cheaper Pro plan.
How to switch from TextExpander to NexoPad
Install NexoPad
Add it to your browser and sign in so your snippets sync.
Recreate your active snippets
Start with the ones you use most. Create each one in the popup's Snippets view and keep the same shortcut so you don't have to memorize anything new.
Adapt the fill-in fields
TextExpander text fields map to {{input:Label}} in NexoPad, and option menus to {{dropdown:Label|Option 1|Option 2}}. See every option in the variables guide.
Use them on any website
Type the shortcut in any text field, or use // to search for it without remembering it.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to TextExpander?
NexoPad has a free plan with basic use of snippets, notes and links. If you want something completely free and don't mind configuring it with files, Espanso is open source.
Does NexoPad work on iPhone?
No. NexoPad is a desktop browser extension. If you need your shortcuts on iPhone or iPad, TextExpander is the better option.
Can I import my TextExpander snippets?
There's no direct importer today. The most practical approach is to recreate your most-used snippets first.
Does NexoPad work for teams?
Yes. With NexoPad Teams you share a vault of snippets and links with your team, with roles, departments, approvals and analytics.
Published on October 10, 20266 min read
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