Clipboard manager · alternatives
The best Copy 'Em alternatives for Mac
Copy 'Em: $8.99 once (Mac), Mac (macOS 14.5+), iPhone, iPad. Verified 2026-09-04.
Why people switch
Why people look for a Copy 'Em alternative
Copy 'Em packs a remarkable amount into a one-time $8.99 purchase: lists, stars, 36 paste shortcuts, batch paste, and text transforms. The trouble is that OCR and sequential paste are sold as separate apps, syncing to the iOS app needs a $19.99 yearly subscription, and the interface is dense enough that even its admirers say the features take some finding. Reviewers have also wondered aloud whether development is still active.
What to look for instead
If you like Copy 'Em's depth and rarely need OCR, it is still excellent value. The case for moving is wanting the clipboard, the paste stack, and screen OCR as one app rather than three purchases, in a palette that does not need a manual. SnipVault does that, adds :keyword snippet expansion, and expires copied one-time codes automatically. It costs more up front, and there is nothing extra to buy afterwards.
Our pick
1. SnipVault
Clipboard history, screenshot OCR, and snippets in one keyboard-first Mac app.
Next to SnipVault, Copy 'Em has no paste stack, screenshot ocr, ocr captures kept searchable, snippets with :keyword expansion, or otp / card-number auto-expiry. Full table.
- ✓You want OCR, paste stack, and clipboard without buying three apps
- ✓You want snippets and text expansion
- ✓You want a keyboard palette that stays out of the way
Other options
Other clipboard managers worth a look
Still with them?
When Copy 'Em is still the right call
- •You want the cheapest Mac clipboard manager with lists and batch paste
- •You like dense power-user menus
- Copy 'Em pricing, checked 2026-09-04
- Mac App Store review (UK)
- MacUpdate review, January 2025
FAQ
What is the best Copy 'Em alternative?+
For most Mac users it is SnipVault: unlimited history with pinboards and tags, plus screenshot OCR and snippet expansion that Copy 'Em does not offer, for $29.99 a year or $79 once. Maccy is the best free pick.
Is there a free Copy 'Em alternative?+
Maccy is free and open source, and fine if a searchable list is all you need. SnipVault is paid, with a 7-day trial that needs no card.
How do I switch from Copy 'Em to SnipVault?+
Install SnipVault and let it build its own history while Copy 'Em keeps running. After a week, pin what matters and quit Copy 'Em.
Nothing to migrate: install it, keep Copy 'Em open, and see which one you reach for.