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Head-to-head · Text Expanders Software

FastKeys vs aText

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
FastKeys #7 in Text Expanders Software 6.8/10 From $29 ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit FastKeys
aText #8 in Text Expanders Software 6.8/10 From $4.99/user/yr · 21-day trial ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
Cons
  • Available for Windows only.
  • There is no free plan.
  • Team and administrator features require higher editions.
  • Desktop coverage is limited to Windows and macOS.
  • Licenses are platform-specific.
  • No analytics or mobile support.
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 →
  1. FastKeysText Expanders Software 6.8From $29
  2. aTextText Expanders Software 6.8From $4.99/user/yr · 21-day trial

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 →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update