Head-to-head · Text Expanders Software
FastKeys vs aText
FastKeys leads on 0 checks, aText on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
FastKeys and aText score identically on our rubric (6.8 out of 10) for text expanders software; FastKeys sits at #7 and aText at #8 in our editorial ranking, so the choice comes down to fit.
FastKeys is the better fit for windows teams seeking a one-time purchase. aText is the better fit for budget-conscious Windows and Mac users.
- FastKeys fits best
Windows teams seeking a one-time purchase
- aText fits best
Budget-conscious Windows and Mac users
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Side by side
| Feature | FastKeys 6.8/10 Visit ↗ | aText 6.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| Ranking | #7 in Text Expanders Software | #8 in Text Expanders Software |
| Best for | Windows teams seeking a one-time purchase | Budget-conscious Windows and Mac users |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | Not published |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 5 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features FastKeys 1/4 · aText 1/4 | ||
| Team snippet sharing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dynamic fields | Not published | Not published |
| App-specific snippets | Not published | Not published |
| Rich-text expansion | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Snippet limit | Not published | Not published |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | FastKeys is Windows desktop software for expanding abbreviations into reusable text, filling dynamic templates, recording keyboard and mouse macros, and managing clipboard history. It also offers Auto Complete suggestions and configurable… Read the review → |
aText replaces abbreviations with user-defined phrases across desktop applications on Windows and macOS. Its feature set suits people who repeatedly enter standard text, use formatted snippets, or want to automate text-entry tasks.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
FastKeys — where it wins
- Personal edition starts at $29 with a one-time license.
- Dynamic templates, macros, and clipboard history extend beyond basic text expansion.
- Professional and Enterprise add team sharing and organizational controls.
Where it doesn't
- Available for Windows only.
- There is no free plan.
- Team and administrator features require higher editions.
aText — where it wins
- Expands abbreviations into formatted text, images, and attachments.
- Adds editable fields, date-time functions, and keyboard or mouse scripts.
- Syncs through OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, or shared folders.
Where it doesn't
- Desktop coverage is limited to Windows and macOS.
- Licenses are platform-specific.
- No analytics or mobile support.
- FastKeys6.8/10 · From $29
A Windows desktop tool for text expansion, macros, clipboard history, and team controls.
Visit FastKeysFull verdict → - aText6.8/10 · From $4.99/user/yr · 21-day trial
A low-cost desktop expander with rich snippets, scripting, and cloud-drive sync.
Visit aTextFull verdict →
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All text expanders software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




