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Comparison · Clipboard managers

CopyQ vs Maccy: which is better in 2026?

CopyQ85.5#4 in best clipboard managersMaccy88.5#2 in best clipboard managers

Maccy ranks higher in our list of clipboard managers (#2 against #4, score 88.5 against 85.5).

How we rank Share

  • 85.5
    Editorial score
    88.5
  • 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 Maccy if you want

Free copy history on Mac with minimal features.

A free, open-source Mac clipboard manager that keeps copy history within reach. It has fewer features than Paste, which adds pinboards and sync across devices.

The main differences

  • Only CopyQ runs on Linux.
  • Only CopyQ runs on Windows.

Side by side

CopyQMaccy
Score85.588.5
Rank in list#4 of 10#2 of 10
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-3.0Free and open sourceFree and open source; also on the Mac App Store
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsLinuxWindowsmacOSLinux, Windows, macOSmacOSmacOS
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forCross-platform users who want scripted clipboard historyFree copy history on Mac with minimal features
Strengths
  • Free, GPL-3.0 licensed and cross-platform
  • Scripting and rules for ignoring copied content
  • Lightweight, native macOS interface
  • Free and open source under MIT
Limits
  • Advanced scripting takes time to learn
  • Install steps vary by platform
  • Copy history only, without pinboards
  • Needs macOS Sonoma 14 or later
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about CopyQ vs Maccy

Is Maccy better than CopyQ?
Maccy ranks higher in our list of clipboard managers (#2 against #4, score 88.5 against 85.5). CopyQ is best for: cross-platform users who want scripted clipboard history. Maccy is best for: free copy history on Mac with minimal features.
Which is cheaper, CopyQ or Maccy?
CopyQ: Free and open source under GPL-3.0. Maccy: Free and open source; also on the Mac App Store.
Do CopyQ and Maccy run on the same platforms?
CopyQ supports Linux, Windows, macOS. Maccy supports macOS.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.