Makro vs. Competitors: Why Privacy and Local AI Matter
Published July 16, 2026
Makro offers a solution for text expansion, but how does it compare to Text Blaze and Typinator? Makro's privacy-first approach and local AI capabilities set it apart.
Your Data, Your Control
Many text expansion tools store macros and data in the cloud, which can raise privacy concerns. Makro uses zero-knowledge encryption. Your macros, hotwords, and stored information are encrypted end-to-end, meaning Makro cannot access your unencrypted data. This design keeps your personal and professional information secure. Sensitive fields are never sent to Makro's servers, even when using AI features.
Intelligent Assistance, Locally Powered
Makro integrates AI for features like Smart Rewrite, which rephrases, shortens, or formalizes text. Makro allows you to connect with local AI models through Ollama or LM Studio. This means you can use AI features without sending data off your machine, using no credits, and ensuring privacy. Makro also integrates with Cloudflare Workers AI for a secure cloud option.
You can choose the AI approach that suits your needs. Free users can experiment with local AI, while Pro and Premium subscribers can use enhanced cloud AI capabilities.
Beyond Basic Text Expansion
Makro offers more than simple text replacement. Features include:
- Knowledge Base: (Available to all users; Pro features offer unlimited entries and grounding for Smart Rewrite) Organize and insert frequently used information from the search overlay (Ctrl+Shift+Space).
- Smart Rewrite: Rephrase, shorten, or formalize text. Smart Rewrite retains your original formatting, including tabs, blank lines, and links, and avoids AI-like phrasing.
- Cross-Browser Support: Makro is available as a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
- Import Options: Migrate snippets from TextExpander, Espanso, and aText.
Makro's dedication to user privacy and its flexible local AI integration offer an advantage for users who value data control and efficient text expansion.
Makro offers a Free tier. Pro and Premium plans provide additional features like cross-device sync and larger AI credit pools. Pricing details are available on the pricing page.