TextWisely vs RewriteBar

Choosing the right AI-powered writing assistant can be a game-changer. This comparison breaks down TextWisely and RewriteBar to help you decide which tool best fits your workflow.

Summary

TextWisely is a browser-based AI writing assistant that eliminates tab-switching by providing instant grammar correction, rewriting, and translation directly in your browser. It's designed as a Chrome extension with a focus on web-based workflows, priced at $7/month or $69/year. RewriteBar is a native macOS menubar app that works across all applications, offering grammar correction, tone adjustment, translation, and summarization through a command-palette interface. RewriteBar is available via a $5/month ($40/year) subscription or a $29 one-time license where you supply your own API key.

Core Features

What are the core features of TextWisely and RewriteBar?

TextWiselyRewriteBar
Integration
Chrome extension; browser-based workflow
Native macOS menubar app; works in any application
Platform Support
Web-based (Chrome extension)
macOS native application
Grammar & Style
Instant grammar correction and text rewriting
Grammar/spelling correction, tone adjustment via command menu
Translation
Advanced translation capabilities
Instant translation into 30 languages
AI Model
Advanced AI model (unspecified)
Subscription uses RewriteBar's backend; one-time license supports 7 providers
Character Limits
1500 character limit per request
No character limits
Offline Capability
Requires internet connection
Works offline with local API calls
Privacy & Security
Browser-based; data processed through web service
API key in Keychain; direct-to-provider; no RewriteBar servers for one-time license
Support
WhatsApp & Email support
Email support and help center

Platform & Compatibility

TextWisely

  • OS: Chrome browser extension (cross-platform)
  • Architecture: Intel & Apple Silicon
  • Works In: Web browsers; Chrome extension interface

RewriteBar

  • OS: macOS 13+ (Ventura and later)
  • Architecture: Intel & Apple Silicon
  • Works In: Any application with a text field

Pricing & Licensing

How does TextWisely compare with RewriteBar in terms of Pricing and License?

TextWiselyRewriteBar
Free
Limited free trial available
Free trial: 100 requests (GPT-4o-mini)
Monthly
$7/month
$5/month
Annual
$69/year
$40/year
One-Time (API Key)
Not available
$29 (lifetime; supply your own API key; choose provider/model)
Team / Multi-Seat
Contact for pricing
Contact for pricing

Strengths & Gaps

TextWisely Strengths

  • Eliminates tab-switching with browser integration
  • Cross-platform compatibility through Chrome extension
  • Simple, transparent pricing structure
  • Advanced AI model for text processing
  • WhatsApp and email support options
  • Easy browser-based setup and usage

TextWisely Gaps

  • Limited to browser-based workflow
  • 1500 character limit per request
  • Requires internet connection
  • No offline capabilities
  • No one-time license option
  • Limited to web-based applications

RewriteBar Strengths

  • Native macOS integration works in any application
  • No character limits on text transformations
  • Works offline with local API calls
  • Flexible pricing with subscription and one-time options
  • Command-palette interface for quick access
  • Built-in translation into 30 languages
  • Lightweight menubar app with minimal resource usage

RewriteBar Gaps

  • macOS only (no cross-platform support)
  • Requires macOS 13+ (Ventura and later)
  • No browser integration
  • Limited to desktop applications

Which to Choose?

Choose TextWisely if…

  • You primarily work in web browsers and want seamless browser integration.
  • You need cross-platform compatibility across different operating systems.
  • You prefer a simple, subscription-only pricing model.
  • You work with web-based applications and tools.
  • You want quick browser-based text improvements without leaving your current tab.

Choose RewriteBar if…

  • You work primarily on macOS and want system-wide text transformation capabilities.
  • You need to improve text in native applications (not just browsers).
  • You prefer flexible pricing with both subscription and one-time options.
  • You want offline capabilities and direct API provider control.
  • You value a lightweight, native macOS experience.
  • You need unlimited character limits for longer text transformations.
  • You want a command-palette interface for quick access to AI features.

Pricing

Start using RewriteBar

Trial

Try it for free

Free

  • Up to 100 requests
  • Access to our Cloud AI service
  • Includes 17 AI models
Start for free

No credit card required

Monthly Plan

Use our AI Cloud service (3 million words)

$5

USD

Monthly
  • Access our AI Cloud service (26 models)
  • Option to use your own AI provider API key
  • Choose from 12+ AI providers
  • Choose from 350+ AI models
  • Unlimited app updates
  • Use on unlimited devices

Billed monthly

Save 33%

Annual Plan

Use our AI Cloud service (3 million words)

$60

$40

USD

Annually
  • Access our AI Cloud service (26 models)
  • Option to use your own AI provider API key
  • Choose from 12+ AI providers
  • Choose from 350+ AI models
  • Unlimited requests (With API key)
  • Unlimited app updates
  • Use on unlimited devices

Billed annually

Use RewriteBar with an API Key

Requires an API key

Pay as you go

One-time purchase. Use your own API key — no subscription, no recurring fees.

$29

USD

OneTime

One time payment

  • Requires the use of your own AI provider API key
  • Choose from 12+ AI providers
  • Choose from 350+ AI models
  • Send request directly to AI provider
  • Option to use local models (e.g., Ollama)
  • Unlimited requests (With API key)
  • One-time payment
  • Licensed per device

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? Contact me on Twitter or by email.

  • RewriteBar captures the currently selected text using the macOS clipboard and sends it to a language model for rewriting. The corrected version is then automatically pasted back, replacing the original text.

  • Yes. RewriteBar does not store or track any of your data. How your text is processed depends on the provider you choose:

    • RewriteBar (default): Your selected text is sent to the RewriteBar server, which forwards the request to a language model and returns the corrected version. We do not store your text or API key on our server.
    • Third-Party Providers (e.g. OpenAI, Mistral, Ollama): Your request is sent directly from your device to the provider’s API. RewriteBar never sees or processes your text.

    The app is built using native macOS tools and is just ~20 MB in size — lightweight and privacy-focused.

  • Yes! RewriteBar works with almost any application or website that supports text input.

    Here are some examples:

    • Google Chrome
    • Google Docs
    • Microsoft Word
    • Slack
    • WhatsApp
    • Emails
    • Microsoft Teams
    • Notion
    • Visual Studio Code
  • Yes! You can try RewriteBar for free with up to 100 corrections. After that, you can upgrade to a subscription or one-time license.
  • Yes, you can request a refund within 7 days of purchase. Just reach out via email.
  • RewriteBar has been tested with English and German, but it should work with any language supported by ChatGPT. If you encounter issues with a specific language, feel free to contact us.

  • After your purchase, you'll receive an email with:

    • A download link for the app
    • A license key to activate it
    • The license key also includes unlimited app updates.

    The license key also includes unlimited app updates.

  • There are no additional costs with the subscription plan. If you're using the one-time license, you’ll need to provide an OpenAI API key, which may incur charges based on your usage. For most users, around $1 per month is enough to get started.
  • You can cancel your subscription through the Subscription Portal.
    If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via email.
  • No, a ChatGPT Plus subscription is not required. The OpenAI API operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, so you only pay for what you use. Alternatively, you can use the RewriteBar AI Cloud (included in the subscription plan).
  • The app requires macOS accessibility permissions to retrieve the selected text and replace it with the corrected version. This enables RewriteBar to work with any application. No data is stored.
  • You can create an account on OpenAI and generate a new API key.
    Setup instructions are available in our help center
  • The one-time license requires an Provider API key (OpenAI or other) and may incur usage-based costs from the Provider. The subscription plan includes access to the RewriteBar AI Cloud and is ideal for users who don’t want to manage their own API key.
  • No, there is no Windows version. RewriteBar is built with native macOS tools and isn’t compatible with Windows. If you're on Windows, you can try this alternative:Grammarsen.
  • You can reach out any time by email. I’m happy to help!