Comparison · Clipboard managers

CopyQ vs Ditto: which is better in 2026?

Ditto ranks higher in our list of clipboard managers (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

  • 85.5
    Editorial score
    87.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose CopyQ if you want

Cross-platform users who want scripted clipboard history.

The best cross-platform open-source clipboard manager here, running on Linux, Windows and macOS with scripting support. Its advanced features take time to learn, and install steps vary by platform.

Choose Ditto if you want

Windows users who want free local clipboard history.

A free, GPL-3.0 licensed clipboard history for Windows that stores history in a local database with no login or cloud. It covers Windows only, and its history stays on the PC where it was made.

The main differences

  • Only CopyQ runs on Linux.
  • Only CopyQ runs on macOS.

Side by side

CopyQDitto
Score85.587.0
Rank in list#4 of 6#3 of 6
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0; installs through Winget or Chocolatey
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsLinuxWindowsmacOSLinux, Windows, macOSWindowsWindows
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forCross-platform users who want scripted clipboard historyWindows users who want free local clipboard history
Strengths
  • Free, GPL-3.0 licensed and cross-platform
  • Scripting and rules for ignoring copied content
  • Local database with no login or cloud
  • Free and GPL-3.0 licensed
Limits
  • Advanced scripting takes time to learn
  • Install steps vary by platform
  • Windows only
  • History stays on the PC where it was made
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about CopyQ vs Ditto

Is Ditto better than CopyQ?
Ditto ranks higher in our list of clipboard managers (#3 against #4, score 87.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. CopyQ is best for: cross-platform users who want scripted clipboard history. Ditto is best for: windows users who want free local clipboard history.
Which is cheaper, CopyQ or Ditto?
CopyQ: Free and open source under GPL-3.0. Ditto: Free and open source under GPL-3.0; installs through Winget or Chocolatey.
Do CopyQ and Ditto run on the same platforms?
CopyQ supports Linux, Windows, macOS. Ditto supports Windows.