ClipBuddy vs. Raycast: Mac Clipboard History Compared
Comparing dedicated AppKit clipboard managers against launcher-based clipboard history. RAM usage, unlimited history caps, screenshot OCR, Touch ID security, and Lifetime pricing.
When choosing a clipboard manager on macOS, many power users and developers consider Raycast, the popular keyboard launcher that includes a built-in clipboard history extension.
While Raycast is a fantastic launcher, using it as your primary clipboard tool comes with distinct limitations. Here is a technical, head-to-head comparison of ClipBuddy for Mac vs. Raycast Clipboard History.
Technical Comparison Matrix
| Specification / Capability | ClipBuddy for Mac | Raycast Clipboard Extension |
|---|---|---|
| History Retention Limit | Up to 200,000 clips on Pro, kept as long as you choose | Capped at 3 months on Free |
| Price for Full History | $1.99/month, $12.99/year or $24.99 once | $8/month ($96/year) Pro Subscription |
| App Type | Dedicated native Swift and AppKit clipboard app | Launcher with a clipboard extension |
| Account / Sign-in Required? | Zero accounts, 100% anonymous | Cloud sign-in encouraged |
| Screenshot OCR Search | Built in on Pro, on device (Apple Vision) | Separate extension command |
| Sensitive Data Security | Concealed copies skipped; Touch ID Vault on Pro | Basic ignore list only |
| Sequential Paste Stack | Yes on Pro (⌘⌥S) | Not supported |
| Clipboard Rewind (Undo) | Yes (⌘⌥Z) | Not supported |
| Interface Layout | Floating AppKit Card Drawer & Mini-Grid | Vertical launcher list |
4 Decisive Advantages of ClipBuddy
1. No 90-Day History Expiration
In Raycast Free, any clip older than 3 months is automatically purged. If you need a terminal command, server IP, or client draft you copied 4 months ago, it is permanently lost unless you pay $96 every single year.
ClipBuddy Pro keeps up to 200,000 clips in a local database on your Mac, and you decide how long they stay. Nothing expires unless you set a limit.
2. Dedicated 45MB Lightweight Utility vs. 300MB Multi-Tool
Raycast is designed to be your calculator, window manager, snippet tool, and extension engine. If you already have your favorite apps and only want an ultra-responsive clipboard manager, running Raycast’s background process adds unnecessary battery drain and RAM overhead.
ClipBuddy is engineered exclusively for clipboard management. It launches instantly and uses negligible battery.
3. Hardware Biometric Vault (Touch ID)
When you copy an API token, recovery phrase, or credit card number, ClipBuddy can automatically identify the credential and quarantine it inside the Touch ID Secret Vault. Vault clips require biometric authentication to reveal or paste, and the pasted content automatically clears from your system clipboard after 60 seconds. Raycast offers no hardware-gated clipboard vault.
4. Sequential Paste Stack (⌘⌥S)
Copying multiple rows from a spreadsheet or five different fields from a web form? ClipBuddy’s Paste Stack lets you copy everything in order, switch to your target app, and paste each item sequentially with ⌘⌥S.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes! Many engineers use Raycast as their app launcher and calculator, but turn off Raycast’s clipboard history in preferences and assign ⌘⇧V to ClipBuddy. You get the best launcher alongside the best dedicated clipboard manager.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between ClipBuddy and Raycast clipboard history?
Raycast is an all-in-one productivity launcher that includes a basic clipboard history extension capped at 3 months on the free plan. ClipBuddy is a dedicated, native macOS clipboard manager with unlimited local history, visual AppKit card previews, on-device screenshot text extraction, and an honest one-time Lifetime license ($24.99).
How does RAM and memory usage compare between ClipBuddy and Raycast?
ClipBuddy is written in pure Swift and AppKit, consuming approximately 40–50MB of RAM in the background. Raycast runs a multi-tool extension framework with node runtime dependencies, typically consuming 200MB to 450MB+ of background memory.
Can I use ClipBuddy and Raycast together on the same Mac?
Yes. Many Mac power users love Raycast for application launching, window tiling, and calculators, but disable Raycast's clipboard history in favor of ClipBuddy's signature bottom drawer (⌘⇧V), sequential Paste Stack (⌘⌥S), and Touch ID Secret Vault.
Why does Raycast require a $96/year subscription for unlimited clipboard history?
Raycast bundles unlimited clipboard history into Raycast Pro ($8/month billed annually at $96/year), alongside cloud sync and AI commands. If you only want permanent clipboard history without recurring fees, ClipBuddy's $24.99 Lifetime license saves you over $70 in the first year alone.