PhraseVault® is a TextExpander® alternative for Windows, macOS and Linux (Linux setup) that you buy once, with no subscription. You press Ctrl+. on Windows or Cmd+. on a Mac, search by a few letters of the phrase's name or text, and press Enter — no abbreviation list to memorize. Your phrases stay on your computer, and license holders can request the source under a non-disclosure agreement.
How do PhraseVault and TextExpander compare?
| PhraseVault | TextExpander | |
|---|---|---|
| How you insert text | Summon the window, type, press Enter | Abbreviations expand as you type |
| Price | One-time Starter license | Limited free plan; paid subscriptions |
| Account | None | Required |
| Storage and offline use | Local file; no account or internet needed | Cloud sync; saved snippets expand offline |
| Platforms | Windows 10/11 (64-bit) and macOS 13 or later (Apple Silicon), Linux x86_64 (Omarchy and Arch with Hyprland) | Windows, macOS, iOS, Chrome, and Android (beta) |
| Phone app | No | iPhone and iPad; Android beta |
| Formatting | Plain text, Markdown, or HTML | Rich text |
| Fill-ins | Dates, fields, dropdowns, and the clipboard | Dates, fill-ins, and similar |
| Organizing | Labels (several per phrase), filters, and fuzzy search | Snippet Groups |
| Team library | Shared database file; coordinate edits | Cloud sharing, with admin controls for larger teams |
| Scripting | No scripts inside snippets; optional command line | JavaScript inside snippets on paid plans |
| Source code | License holders under an NDA | Not published |
| Trial | 14 days, the full app, no card | 30-day preview of paid features |
As of October 2026, PhraseVault Starter is $29 or €29, tax included, for one person on their own supported Windows, macOS and Linux computers (Linux setup). Updates in this version line are included; a future major version may be sold separately. TextExpander offers a free plan with five active snippets and one snippet swap every two weeks, while its paid plans are subscriptions.
Where TextExpander is the better fit
TextExpander offers JavaScript scripting for calculations and logic on paid plans. The free plan already supports sharing with up to five team members; paid plans remove the active-snippet limit and offer advanced team controls. It also works on iPhone and iPad, with Android available in beta. If typed abbreviations or centralized team management suit your workflow, these are useful advantages. Its saved snippets also expand offline, though syncing requires an internet connection.
Where PhraseVault is the better fit
PhraseVault suits people who prefer a one-time license and local data storage without an account. You summon the window and search instead of typing a trigger, so there are no abbreviations to memorize. License holders can request the source by emailing office@spqrk.net and signing a non-disclosure agreement. Team sharing uses a shared database file, so agree on who edits it rather than expecting the app to merge simultaneous changes.
Can I bring my TextExpander snippets across?
Yes. Export your TextExpander groups as CSV, with or without a header row, then open Settings → Database → Import Phrases in PhraseVault and choose the file. Supported fill-ins become PhraseVault placeholders, but scripts and cursor positioning do not carry over. Review the imported snippets before using them. The import guide covers the steps and the limits of 10 MB and 10,000 phrases per file.
Other expanders are in the comparison guide. More on paying once is in text expansion without a subscription, and how the app keeps phrases local is in GDPR and PhraseVault.
Download PhraseVault and use the full app for 14 days, with no credit card. License prices in every currency are on the pricing page.
TextExpander® is a trademark of its owner. PhraseVault is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.