Cai vs Raycast
Raycast is a powerful Mac launcher that replaces Spotlight — with a massive extension store, window management, snippets, and AI as a paid add-on ($8/mo). Cai is purpose-built for AI text actions: faster to learn, simpler to use, and completely free. If you want an all-in-one productivity hub, Raycast is great. If you want instant AI on your selected text without the complexity, Cai does that out of the box.
When to use Cai
- You want AI actions on selected text without opening a launcher
- You want something fast and simple — press ⌥C and go
- You want a built-in local AI model with zero setup
- You need OCR, custom shell actions, and GitHub/Linear built in — not via plugins
- You want a free, open-source tool — no subscription, no limits
When to use Raycast
- You want a full Spotlight replacement with launcher, snippets, and window management
- You need a massive extension store with thousands of community integrations
- You want an all-in-one productivity hub and don't mind the learning curve
- You're OK paying $8/mo for unlimited AI (free tier has 50 messages)
Feature comparison
| Feature | Cai | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Works inline on selected text | ✓ | ✕ |
| 100% local / private by default | ✓ | ✕ |
| Free unlimited AI | ✓ | 50 msgs free, then $8/mo |
| Built-in AI model (no setup) | ✓ | ✕ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✕ |
| Apple Intelligence support | ✓ | ✕ |
| Launcher / Spotlight replacement | ✕ | ✓ |
| Window management | ✕ | ✓ |
| Extension ecosystem | Community extensions | Large store |
| Clipboard history | ✓ | ✓ |
| OCR / Image to text | ✓ | ✕ |
| Custom shell actions | ✓ | ✕ |
| GitHub & Linear integration | ✓ | Via extensions |
| Low learning curve | ✓ | ✕ |