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Head to head · 2026

Helper vs PaletteBrain

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

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)

PaletteBrain

Select text in any Mac app, hit Space, run a custom AI command, paste the result…

3.4$29/mo

Visit PaletteBrain (opens PaletteBrain 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

    Helper

    Only Helper has one

  • Higher rating

    Helper

    3.5 against 3.4

  • Same job?

    Yes

    Both are Productivity tools

Side by side

Compared onHelperPaletteBrain
Our rating3.5Better3.4
Starts atFree$29/mo
Free planYesBetterNo
CategoryProductivityProductivity
PlansFreeFrom $29/mo
Key features
  • Native desktop client
  • Builds for macOS, Windows and Linux
  • ChatGPT access outside the browser
  • Its own window in the task switcher
  • Free to use
  • Works with any macOS app or website via keyboard shortcut
  • Custom AI commands - grammar, translation, summarization, code refactoring
  • Bring-your-own OpenAI/Azure API key, pay-as-you-go
  • Organized conversation history across all AI chats
  • Lifetime license, no recurring subscription
Pros
  • A real window rather than a tab that gets buried
  • Builds for all three desktop platforms
  • Free
  • Genuine lifetime pricing instead of an ongoing subscription
  • No window-switching keeps AI assistance inside the actual workflow
  • BYO API key avoids paying for a separate ChatGPT Plus subscription
Cons
  • 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
  • Mac-only - no Windows or Linux version
  • Requires managing your own API key and its associated costs
  • Broader model support (Google, Anthropic, xAI) is still on the roadmap, not live yet
CompanyHelperPaletteBrain

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260826. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is Helper better than PaletteBrain?

In our reviews Helper scores 3.5 and PaletteBrain scores 3.4. The better pick depends on the job. Helper: Native desktop client that puts ChatGPT in its own window instead of a browser tab. PaletteBrain: Select text in any Mac app, hit Space, run a custom AI command, paste the result back - no window switching, bring your own OpenAI key, pay once for lifetime access.

Which is cheaper, Helper or PaletteBrain?

Helper: free. PaletteBrain: from $29/mo.

Do Helper and PaletteBrain have free plans?

Only Helper has a free plan.

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