FindAlternative
Back to CopyQ

CopyQ vs Paste

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Compare
CopyQ
CopyQA free, open-source clipboard manager with searchable history, tabs, and scripting.
Visit
Paste
PasteUnlimited clipboard history that syncs across Mac, iPhone, and iPad via iCloud.
Visit
Overview
Description

CopyQ is a free, open-source clipboard manager that continuously monitors the system clipboard and stores its history so previously copied text, images, or files can be searched and pasted back later instead of being lost after the next copy. Items can be organized into tabs, tagged, and edited directly within the app, and CopyQ can preview images or capture screenshots straight into clipboard history. CopyQ also exposes a scripting API and command-line interface, letting technical users automate clipboard actions, customize commands, and detect or exclude sensitive data such as passwords from being stored. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux (including Wayland), and has been actively maintained by its original developer since 2009.

Paste is a clipboard manager for Apple devices that quietly records everything you copy and turns it into a searchable, unlimited history. Instead of losing a copied item the moment you copy something new, Paste keeps a visual timeline of text, links, colors, and images that you can browse, search, and paste back into any app.

Pricing
Free
Freemium
Category
Clipboard Managers
Clipboard Managers
Best for
Developers and power users who need a scriptable, cross-platform clipboard history manager
Mac and iOS users who copy and paste frequently and want cross-device clipboard history
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
Yes
No
api available
Yes
No
support options
—
Email
key integrations
—
Claude, Codex, Cursor
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free and open source with a long, active development history
  • Works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Scripting support makes it far more customizable than most clipboard managers
  • Tabs and tagging make managing large clipboard histories practical
  • Deep iCloud sync across all Apple devices
  • Long track record with high App Store ratings
  • Clean native macOS interface
  • Granular privacy exclusions for sensitive apps
Cons
  • Interface looks more utilitarian than polished modern clipboard apps
  • Scripting features have a learning curve for non-technical users
  • Wayland support has some known platform-specific quirks per its own documentation
  • Mac/iOS only, no Windows or Android support
  • Subscription required after 7-day trial
  • Lifetime pricing not published on site
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

More alternatives & similar tools

Alternatives to CopyQ

View all →
Maccy
Maccy

Free, open-source, keyboard-first clipboard manager for macOS.

Compare
PasteBar
PasteBar

Free clipboard manager for Mac and Windows for organizing copied text, code, and files.

Compare
ClipboardFusion
ClipboardFusion

Clipboard manager that cleans, transforms, and syncs your clipboard with macros and triggers.

Compare
ClipClip
ClipClip

Free Windows clipboard manager that stores and organizes up to 1,000 clips.

Compare

Alternatives to Paste

View all →
PastePal
PastePal

Native clipboard manager with 75+ text transforms across Mac, iPhone, and iPad

Compare
PasteBar
PasteBar

Free clipboard manager for Mac and Windows for organizing copied text, code, and files.

Compare
Maccy
Maccy

Free, open-source, keyboard-first clipboard manager for macOS.

Compare
Instapaper
Instapaper

Save articles to read later, offline and distraction‑free.

Compare

The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

CopyQ is a free, cross‑platform, scriptable clipboard manager, while Paste offers a polished macOS/iOS‑only experience with iCloud sync and AI integrations.

Key differences

  • •Platform support: CopyQ works on Windows, macOS, Linux; Paste only on Apple devices.
  • •Pricing model: CopyQ is free open source; Paste is freemium with a paid subscription after trial.
  • •Automation: CopyQ provides a scripting API and CLI; Paste has no API and limited automation.
  • •Sync & ecosystem: Paste syncs via iCloud and integrates with AI assistants; CopyQ has no built‑in cloud sync.
  • •User interface: Paste offers a native macOS UI; CopyQ’s UI is utilitarian and less polished.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

CopyQ is completely free and open source; Paste requires a subscription after a 7‑day trial.

CopyQ

Ease of use / learning curve

Paste has a clean native macOS UI; CopyQ’s utilitarian UI and scripting require more technical skill.

Paste

Features & depth

CopyQ offers scripting, CLI, tabs, and cross‑platform support; Paste focuses on sync and AI snippets.

CopyQ

Integrations & ecosystem

Paste integrates with iCloud and AI assistants (Claude, Codex, Cursor); CopyQ has no listed integrations.

Paste

Collaboration

Paste offers a team plan for shared clipboard workflows; CopyQ has no collaboration features.

Paste

Security & privacy

Both can exclude sensitive apps; CopyQ can detect passwords, Paste excludes password‑manager apps.

Tie

Support

Paste provides email support; CopyQ has no formal support channel listed.

Paste

Choose CopyQ if…

Power users or developers needing free, cross‑platform, scriptable clipboard management.

Choose Paste if…

Mac/iOS users who want seamless iCloud sync, AI snippets, and a polished native UI.

Common questions

Can I use the clipboard manager on Windows?

CopyQ runs natively on Windows; Paste is Mac/iOS only.

Is there any cost to use the tool long‑term?

CopyQ is free; Paste requires a paid subscription after the 7‑day trial.

Do either tools offer automation or scripting?

CopyQ provides a scripting API and command‑line interface; Paste does not offer an API.