MacGPT vs AI Actions
Side-by-side comparison · Updated April 2026
| Description | MacGPT is a native macOS app designed to provide quick access to ChatGPT directly from your menu bar. With a single click, users can initiate conversations with one of the leading AI language models. Note, to use MacGPT's native features, users need their own OpenAI API key, which is not included in the purchase. The app supports features like Global, Inline, and conversation mode, but requires macOS Ventura or newer. Updates and additional features are continually being rolled out for enhanced functionality. | The AI Actions app offers powerful AI-related actions (including GPT-4o, GPT-4, and GPT 3.5) for Apple's Shortcuts app, facilitating interaction with the ChatGPT API. It requires users to supply their own OpenAI API key, which is securely stored in the keychain. The app is optimized for macOS, but requires an Apple silicon Mac for the App Store version, due to Apple's restrictions. A non-App Store version is available for Intel Mac users, although it doesn't receive automatic updates. The app also supports DALL·E and boasts enhanced customizability and longer text handling compared to the official ChatGPT app. |
| Category | ChatGPT Plugin | AI Assistant |
| Rating | No reviews | No reviews |
| Pricing | Paid | N/A |
| Starting Price | $20/mo | N/A |
| Plans |
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| Use Cases |
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| Tags | macOSChatGPTmenu barOpenAI API key | AIChatGPTShortcutsmacOSIntelligent Assistant |
| Features | ||
| Global access to ChatGPT from anywhere on your Mac | ||
| Inline feature for text field integration | ||
| Menu bar access for quick conversation start | ||
| Conversation mode for hands-free chatting | ||
| Latest GPT-4o model support | ||
| Customizable keyboard shortcuts | ||
| One-time payment with free updates | ||
| Supports macOS Monterey, Ventura, and Sonoma | ||
| Compatibility with OpenAI API | ||
| Additional macOS utilities available for enhanced functionality | ||
| Supports GPT-4o, GPT-4, and GPT 3.5 | ||
| Integration with ChatGPT API | ||
| Secure API key storage in keychain | ||
| Apple silicon Mac optimized | ||
| Non-App Store version available for Intel Macs | ||
| Supports DALL·E | ||
| Longer text processing | ||
| Customizability options for power users | ||
| Enhanced AI functionalities on macOS | ||
| No automatic updates for non-App Store version | ||
| View MacGPT | View AI Actions | |