ClipHistory vs Raycast vs Maccy: The Best Clipboard Manager for macOS in 2026
ClipHistory vs Raycast vs Maccy: The Best Clipboard Manager for macOS in 2026
Your clipboard is one of the most-used tools on macOS, yet most users leave it at stock capacity: one item at a time. A clipboard manager changes that. But with options like ClipHistory, Raycast, and Maccy available, how do you choose?
This guide breaks down each tool's strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases—so you can decide which fits your workflow in 2026.
What Makes a Great Clipboard Manager?
Before diving into comparisons, consider what matters:
- History capacity: How many clips can you store?
- Search speed: Can you find what you need instantly?
- Type detection: Does it recognize URLs, emails, code, colors?
- AI integration: Can it transform or summarize content?
- Privacy: Does it sync to cloud or stay local?
- Price model: One-time payment or recurring subscription?
- Platform support: macOS only, or cross-platform?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ClipHistory | Raycast | Maccy |
|---|---|---|---|
| History capacity | 150 unpinned + unlimited pinned | ~1000 items (configurable) | ~1000 items |
| Type auto-detection | Yes (URL, email, code, color, phone, image) | Basic (URLs, images) | Basic (URLs, images) |
| AI transforms | Yes (5 providers: Claude, OpenAI, DeepSeek, Google) | Yes (via Raycast AI) | No |
| Keyboard shortcut | ⌘⇧V (customizable) | ⌘⇧; or custom | ⌘⇧C (customizable) |
| Snippets | Yes, with Custom Boards | Yes, built-in | Limited |
| 100% local/no cloud | Yes | Partial (optional Raycast Cloud) | Yes |
| Price | $19.99 lifetime, one payment | Freemium ($8/mo premium) | Free |
| macOS only | Yes | No (iOS, Web, Linux, Windows) | Yes |
| Setup required | Minimal | Raycast ecosystem (AI keys optional) | Minimal |
ClipHistory: Privacy-First, AI-Powered
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want AI without cloud lock-in.
ClipHistory stores 150 unpinned clips plus unlimited pinned items—all locally, no cloud, no account. Hit ⌘⇧V to open the interface, search your history in milliseconds, and pin frequently-used clips permanently.
The standout feature: AI Transforms. ClipHistory integrates with 5 AI providers (Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, DeepSeek, Google, or bring your own API key). Summarize a lengthy article, translate an email, rewrite a Slack message, or clean up messy code—all without leaving your clipboard.
Auto-detection recognizes URLs, emails, phone numbers, colors, code blocks, and images automatically, organizing your clips intelligently.
Cost: $19.99 lifetime license. One payment, no recurring charges, no subscription.
Trade-off: macOS only; smaller base history (though pinning is unlimited).
Raycast: The Everything Launcher
Best for: Power users who want clipboard plus app launcher, extensions, and scripts.
Raycast is a command launcher on steroids. Beyond clipboard history, it handles window management, extensions, custom scripts, and workflows. The clipboard feature is solid but secondary to Raycast's broader ecosystem.
Raycast stores ~1000 clipboard items and offers basic type detection. Its free tier covers clipboard management; the $8/month Pro tier unlocks Raycast AI for transforms (powered by OpenAI or your own key).
Cost: Free (clipboard) or $8/month (with AI).
Trade-off: Broader tool means clipboard isn't the focus. Optional cloud sync via Raycast Cloud. Cross-platform (iOS, Web, Linux, Windows) if you want ecosystem integration.
Maccy: The Lightweight Free Option
Best for: Budget-conscious users who need basic clipboard history with no setup.
Maccy is lightweight, open-source, and completely free. It stores ~1000 items, detects URLs and images, and offers search and pinning. The interface is minimalist; the performance is snappy.
Cost: Free.
Trade-off: No AI transforms, no advanced type detection, no snippets or custom boards. Relies on community support; development is sporadic.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ClipHistory if:
- You value privacy and want everything local (no cloud).
- You use AI tools frequently and want flexible provider choice (bring your own key).
- You need advanced type detection and custom boards.
- You prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions.
- You work on macOS exclusively.
Choose Raycast if:
- You want a do-everything launcher that includes clipboard management.
- You're willing to pay $8/month and use Raycast's other features regularly.
- You need cross-platform sync or mobile access.
- You want a tightly integrated ecosystem.
Choose Maccy if:
- Budget is your primary constraint.
- You need basic clipboard history without complexity.
- You don't use AI or advanced features.
Final Verdict for 2026
In 2026, clipboard managers are table-stakes for macOS users. The choice depends on your priorities:
- Privacy + AI flexibility → ClipHistory
- All-in-one launcher → Raycast
- Free and simple → Maccy
If you're serious about reclaiming clipboard efficiency and aren't locked into Raycast's ecosystem, Get ClipHistory — $19.99 gives you a lifetime tool with AI, local storage, and zero recurring fees.
Your clipboard history is too valuable to leave to chance—pick the manager that matches your workflow.