Is ClipHistory really 100% local, or does it sync to the cloud?

ClipHistory is 100% local. No cloud, no account, no syncing. Everything stays on your Mac. Your 150 unpinned clips and unlimited pinned clips are stored locally only. Even AI transforms use your own API key, so ClipHistory never processes your data on its servers.

How many clips does ClipHistory save, and can I keep important ones forever?

ClipHistory saves your 150 most recent unpinned clips automatically. On top of that, you can pin unlimited clips—and pinned clips are never deleted. This way, frequently-used templates, snippets, and important data stay accessible forever, while older casual copies age out naturally.

How much does ClipHistory cost, and is there a monthly fee?

ClipHistory is $19.99—one lifetime payment, no recurring subscription ever. You buy it once and own the license for as long as you use macOS. No hidden fees, no expiration.

Can I use ClipHistory with my own AI provider, or do you require a specific service?

You bring your own key. ClipHistory supports 5 AI providers: Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI (GPT), DeepSeek, Google, or a custom API endpoint. You control which service you use and provide your own API credentials. ClipHistory never touches your data or keys on its servers.

Best Clipboard Manager for Mac Privacy in 2026: Local-First Comparison & Guide

Privacy matters. Your clipboard contains passwords, API keys, personal messages, and sensitive work data—often without you realizing it. When you copy something, it stays in memory until you copy something else. A clipboard manager gives you control, but only if it respects your privacy.

In 2026, macOS users have more clipboard manager options than ever. But which one actually keeps your data private? This guide compares the leading solutions, with a focus on what stays on your Mac and what doesn't.

Why Clipboard Privacy Matters

Every time you copy text, an image, a code snippet, or a link, your Mac's clipboard holds it. Most clipboard managers sync to the cloud—which means your data leaves your device. If you work with:

Passwords and API keys
Client or personal information
Proprietary code or designs
Medical, legal, or financial data

…then a cloud-synced clipboard manager is a significant privacy risk. A local-first approach keeps everything on your device.

The Privacy-First Clipboard Manager Comparison

ClipHistory: 100% Local, No Cloud, No Account

Core features:

Saves full clipboard history: 150 unpinned clips + unlimited pinned
Auto-detects clip type (URL, email, code, color, phone, image)
Opens with ⌘⇧V to search, pin, and paste
AI transforms (summarize, translate, rewrite, clean) with 5 AI providers—bring your own API key
Custom Boards and Paste Stack for organization
100% local storage, no cloud, no account required
$19.99 lifetime license, one payment

Privacy model: Everything stays on your Mac. No servers, no syncing, no account. You control your AI provider choice.

Paste: Cloud-First Sync

Paste offers beautiful UI and device sync, but syncing means your clipboard travels to Paste's servers. It includes team collaboration features and cloud backup—helpful for some workflows, but not ideal if privacy is your priority. Paste uses a subscription model.

Maccy: Open-Source, Local

Maccy is lightweight, free, and keeps data local. It stores clipboard history on your Mac with no cloud component. However, it lacks AI features, custom organization beyond basic search, and has minimal UI customization. Good for minimalists; limited for power users.

Alfred: Powerful Automation, Partial Privacy

Alfred is a macOS powerhouse for automation and workflows, with a clipboard history feature. History is local by default, but Alfred doesn't focus on clipboard management as its core feature. It's better known for app launching and custom commands. The clipboard feature is secondary.

Raycast: Modern Command Palette, Cloud Optional

Raycast is fast and extensible, but defaults to cloud sync for clipboard history. You can disable syncing, but privacy isn't its primary design philosophy. It's excellent for command-line developers but requires an account.

Feature	ClipHistory	Paste	Maccy	Alfred	Raycast
Local Storage	✓ 100%	✗ Cloud	✓	✓	◐ Optional
No Account	✓	✗	✓	✓	✗
AI Features	✓ Bring Your Key	✗	✗	✗	◐ Limited
Clip Limit	150 + unlimited pinned	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Pricing Model	$19.99 lifetime	Subscription	Free	One-time	Free + Pro
Auto-Type Detection	✓	✓	✗	✗	✗
Custom Boards	✓	✓	✗	✗	✗
Search & Pin	✓ ⌘⇧V	✓	✓	✓	✓

What Makes ClipHistory Stand Out for Privacy

Transparent pricing: $19.99 once, forever. No recurring fees, no hidden charges. You own the license.

Bring-your-own AI: If you want to use Claude, GPT-4, DeepSeek, Google, or a custom API, you provide your own key. ClipHistory never sees your data or your API calls.

Unlimited pinned history: Keep 150 recent clips plus unlimited pinned ones—perfect for templates, frequently-used snippets, and important data you reference often.

Built for macOS: Universal binary, properly signed and notarized. Works natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.

How to Choose

Choose ClipHistory if you:

Want absolute privacy with no cloud
Need AI features without third-party clipboard servers
Prefer one-time payment over subscription
Work with sensitive data regularly
Want unlimited pinned snippets

Choose Maccy if you:

Need a minimal, free solution
Don't need AI or advanced organization
Prefer open-source code

Choose Paste if you:

Need seamless multi-device sync
Work in teams and need collaboration
Don't mind cloud storage

Choose Alfred or Raycast if you:

Want a broader automation/command platform
Clipboard management is secondary to your workflow

The Privacy Verdict for 2026

As data breaches and privacy concerns grow, local-first tools matter more than ever. Your clipboard shouldn't require an account or trust a third-party server. ClipHistory delivers everything modern clipboard managers should do—history, search, organization, AI transforms—while keeping everything on your device.

If privacy is non-negotiable, Get ClipHistory — $19.99. One payment, full control, forever.