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Head to head · 2026

Alter vs Helper

Pricing, free plans, ratings, features, pros and cons, side by side. Where one comes out ahead, we mark it.

Alter

Mac assistant that executes actions across native apps instead of answering in a chat window

4.0$20/mo

Visit Alter (opens Alter in a new tab)

Helper

Native desktop client that puts ChatGPT in its own window instead of a browser tab

3.5Free

Visit Helper (opens Helper in a new tab)

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

  • Lower starting price

    Not comparable

    Not comparable: Helper does not list a price

  • Free plan

    Tie

    Both have one

  • Higher rating

    Alter

    4.0 against 3.5

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Productivity tools

Side by side

Compared onAlterHelper
Our rating4.0Better3.5
Starts at$20/moFree
Free planYesYes
CategoryProductivityProductivity
PlansFrom $20/moFree
Key features
  • System-wide macOS assistant triggered by shortcut or voice
  • Executes actions inside native apps rather than returning chat text
  • Reads on-screen context to skip copy-and-paste steps
  • Per-context privacy controls over what gets shared
  • Custom action library the user can extend
  • Native desktop client
  • Builds for macOS, Windows and Linux
  • ChatGPT access outside the browser
  • Its own window in the task switcher
  • Free to use
Pros
  • Removes the copy-paste loop between a chat window and real work
  • Keyboard-first design suits users who avoid the mouse
  • Privacy controls are exposed rather than buried
  • A real window rather than a tab that gets buried
  • Builds for all three desktop platforms
  • Free
Cons
  • macOS only, with no Windows or Linux build
  • Action coverage depends on which apps expose automation hooks
  • A wrapper around OpenAI's service, dependent on its terms and availability
  • Little public information about who maintains it
  • Conversations pass through a third-party client
CompanyAlterHelper

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260813. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Alter better than Helper?

In our reviews Alter scores 4.0 and Helper scores 3.5. The better pick depends on the job. Alter: Mac assistant that executes actions across native apps instead of answering in a chat window. Helper: Native desktop client that puts ChatGPT in its own window instead of a browser tab.

Which is cheaper, Alter or Helper?

Alter: from $20/mo. Helper: free.

Do Alter and Helper have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

More comparisons

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