The Best AI Assistant for Mac: Top Picks
Choosing the best AI assistant for your Mac can be tricky with so many options available. These tools can help you with writing, coding, organizing, and more. To make your decision easier, we've reviewed the top AI assistants for Mac to help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Omnipilot is a versatile AI copilot designed for macOS, offering features like text autocompletion and workflow automation.
- Microsoft Copilot integrates seamlessly with Microsoft apps on macOS, providing coding support and task automation.
- Ollama allows you to run open-source language models on your Mac, similar to ChatGPT, but locally.
- FreeChat is a standalone AI chat app for macOS, available on the App Store, making it easy to use without terminal commands.
- Arc Browser is an AI-powered web browser that adapts to your browsing habits for a more personalized experience.
Omnipilot
Omnipilot is an AI assistant designed for macOS, enhancing productivity by providing smart autocomplete and in-context suggestions across all applications. It integrates seamlessly, allowing users to stay focused without switching tools. Beyond simple autocomplete, it offers a memory store for generating tailored text, aiding in writing, reporting, and coding. This innovative tool is just the beginning, with more features on the way to help users work smarter.
Microsoft Copilot
Microsoft Copilot is a powerful AI assistant that integrates seamlessly with macOS. It offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance productivity across Microsoft's suite of apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Copilot uses the latest LLMs from OpenAI and blends them with Bing web-scraping data for relevant and up-to-date responses to your text prompts. This makes it an excellent tool and assistant for anyone looking to boost their efficiency.
Key Features
- Intelligent text suggestions
- AI-powered data analysis in Excel
- Automated slide design in PowerPoint
- Integration with Microsoft 365 apps
Pricing
Microsoft Copilot is available as part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, starting at $6.99/month.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Access to the internet
- Links back to sources
- Uses OpenAI's LLM
Cons:
- Grounded in Bing
- Conversation limits
Who's It For?
Copilot is for anyone who wants ChatGPT text generation and Dall-E image creation for free, along with more recent data for current events. It's also a good choice for users of Microsoft's Edge web browser and office productivity applications, though the latter requires a subscription fee. Finally, coders will appreciate its programming language capabilities.
Copilot has grown on me from my beginning with it. It is unfailingly upbeat and cordial, giving the feeling it enjoys what it does.
Community Reviews and Ratings
The community’s sentiment towards Microsoft Copilot aligns with our evaluation, as users describe it as “autocomplete on steroids.” It has become indispensable for many, especially those who need to write high-quality code quickly and efficiently.
Ollama
Ollama is a fantastic project for Mac users who want to run large open-source language models locally. With Ollama, you can install models like Meta’s Llama 2, Mistral’s Mixtral, and Google's Gemma directly on your macOS. This means you don't need to rely on cloud services, which can be a big plus for privacy and speed.
One of the coolest features of Ollama is its web interface. It allows you to interact with these models in a ChatGPT-like manner, making it super easy to use. You get the power of advanced language models right on your laptop.
Key Features
- Local Installation: Run models directly on your Mac without needing cloud services.
- Web Interface: Interact with models easily through a user-friendly web interface.
- Multiple Models: Supports various models like Llama 2, Mixtral, and Gemma.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enhanced privacy since everything runs locally.
- Faster response times without relying on internet speed.
- Flexibility to choose from multiple models.
Cons
- Requires significant storage and computing power.
- Initial setup can be complex for non-tech users.
Ollama is perfect for those who want the power of AI without compromising on privacy. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to leverage advanced language models on their Mac.
Pricing
Ollama is open-source, so it's free to use. However, keep in mind that running these models locally may require a high-performance Mac, which could be an additional cost if you don't already have one.
FreeChat
FreeChat is a native macOS app that lets you run AI models and chat with them, much like ChatGPT or Gemini. Unlike some other tools, FreeChat is a standalone app available on the App Store, so you don't need to use the Terminal for model installation. This makes it super easy to get started and use right away.
Key Features
- Ease of Use: No need for Terminal commands.
- Accessibility: Available directly from the App Store.
- Versatility: Supports various AI models for different needs.
If you're looking for one of the best, fastest, and most efficient AI solutions available, FreeChat is a great choice. It allows you to access Chat GPT-4 and GPT-4o on your macOS faster and easier than ever.
FreeChat is perfect for anyone who wants a simple, effective way to use AI on their Mac without the hassle of complicated setups. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just someone curious about AI, FreeChat has something to offer.
Arc Browser
Arc Browser is a modern web browser for macOS that uses AI for advanced customization features. It adapts views and panels based on your browsing habits and needs, offering features like automatic tab renaming based on content and intelligent download file renaming. This makes your browsing experience smoother and more efficient.
Elephas
Elephas is an AI writing assistant that integrates directly into Mac, iPhone, and iPad applications. It includes a Super Brain feature to centralize knowledge from various sources like PDFs, web pages, and platforms such as Notion and Obsidian. Elephas can help with writing tasks like responding to emails or creating content.
Introducing Elephas – the smart keyboard that puts the power of AI in your hands and saves hours every week. This tool is perfect for anyone looking to boost productivity and streamline their writing process.
Key Features
- Super Brain: Centralizes knowledge from various sources.
- Multi-Platform Integration: Works seamlessly on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
- Versatile Writing Assistance: Helps with emails, content creation, and more.
Elephas is a game-changer for anyone who writes frequently. Its ability to integrate with multiple platforms and centralize information makes it an invaluable tool for boosting productivity.
Plus AI by Setapp
Plus AI by Setapp is a GPT-powered writing assistant available exclusively on macOS through a Setapp monthly subscription. This tool is designed to integrate seamlessly into any application, making it easier to compose emails, create presentations, or summarize articles. With a simple shortcut key, you can activate Plus AI and start enhancing your writing tasks immediately.
TypingMind
TypingMind is an AI tool that offers a unique prompt library and AI characters like a “Stand-up Comedian” or “Academic Researcher” to assist users in answering their questions. This tool is particularly useful for academic or professional users who need a specialized AI assistant. You can use TypingMind directly in your web browser or download the app to your Mac’s dock for easy access.
TypingMind stands out because it provides a variety of AI characters, making it versatile for different needs. Whether you need a laugh or serious research help, TypingMind has got you covered.
If you're looking for an AI assistant that can adapt to different contexts and provide specialized help, TypingMind is a great choice.
Here are some key features of TypingMind:
- Specialized prompt library
- Variety of AI characters
- Web and app access
While TypingMind is a fantastic tool, it’s worth noting that it’s one of the seven alternatives to Microsoft Copilot, each with its own unique features and capabilities for enhancing productivity on macOS.
Notta
Notta is a fantastic AI assistant for anyone who needs to transcribe and manage meeting notes efficiently. It transcribes speech to text in 58 languages, making it incredibly versatile for international teams. Notta Bot can automatically join your Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom calls to transcribe conversations in real-time. This feature is a game-changer for busy professionals who need accurate records of their meetings without the hassle of manual note-taking.
Key Features
- Transcribes speech to text in 58 languages
- Notta Bot auto-joins your Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom calls
- Creates summaries and action items from your transcript with Notta AI Summary
- Works on Web, Android, iOS, and Chrome extension
- Add notes and images to transcript text, then share with your team via a URL
- Supports major audio and video formats
Limitations
- No desktop app available
- Requires an internet connection to use
Pricing
Plan | Price | Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic transcription features |
Pro | $9/month | 1,800 minutes per month, advanced features |
User Rating
Notta has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store, reflecting its reliability and user satisfaction.
Notta makes meetings more productive by automating the recording, transcription, and summarization process. This allows you to focus on the conversation rather than note-taking.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant is a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence and developed by Google. It engages in simple two-way conversations, helping users set reminders, answer questions, and control smart home devices. Google Assistant is available on most Android, Google Home, and Wear OS devices.
What We Like About Google Assistant
- Responds Quickly and Accurately: Getting infused with Google’s Gemini to be even more responsive, offering quicker and more accurate answers.
- Intuitive Voice Commands: Initiates tasks with voice and text commands, making interactions seamless and intuitive.
- Task Handling: Helps with tasks like setting reminders, updating contacts, and answering questions.
- Smart Home Capabilities: Can control smart home devices, providing a central hub for home automation.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by saying, “Hey, Google,” allowing for hands-free operation.
What Could Be Improved
- Privacy Concerns: Users express concerns over privacy and data collection, especially with continuous listening for the wake word.
Who is Google Assistant Best For?
Google Assistant is best for Android users who want an easier way to interact with their phones and Google apps. Those who wish to take voice notes, add calendar events, and set on-time reminders in a sinch will benefit from this simple AI phone assistant.
Pricing
Free and preloaded on many Android devices as part of the operating system.
Get Google Assistant
Rating
3.9 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
Google Assistant is a smart helper that can make your life easier. It can type for you, understand what's on your screen, and even help with emails and team updates. Want to see how it works? You can download it right now, no waitlist.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of technology, AI assistants for Mac are game-changers. They streamline tasks, boost productivity, and make our digital lives easier. Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone looking to simplify daily tasks, there's an AI assistant tailored for you. From writing emails to managing schedules, these tools offer innovative solutions that fit seamlessly into your workflow. So, why wait? Dive into the world of AI assistants and discover how they can transform your Mac experience today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best AI assistant for Mac?
The best AI assistant for Mac depends on your needs. Omnipilot and Microsoft Copilot are great for productivity, while Elephas is excellent for writing assistance.
Can I use Microsoft Copilot on my Mac?
Yes, you can use Microsoft Copilot on your Mac. There are guides available to help you install and use it effectively.
Is FreeChat available on the Mac App Store?
Yes, FreeChat is available on the Mac App Store. It allows you to run AI models and chat with them without needing to use the Terminal.
What is Ollama?
Ollama is a project that lets you install and run large open-source language models on macOS. It supports models like Meta’s Llama 2 and Google’s Gemma.
How does Arc Browser use AI?
Arc Browser uses AI to customize your browsing experience. It can rename tabs based on content and rename downloaded files intelligently.
What is Plus AI by Setapp?
Plus AI by Setapp is a GPT-powered writing assistant available through a Setapp subscription. It integrates seamlessly with Mac applications to help with various writing tasks.