When comparing CopyQ vs PhraseExpress, the Slant community recommends CopyQ for most people. In the question“What are the best clipboard managers?” CopyQ is ranked 1st while PhraseExpress is ranked 7th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Simple to setup
Pro Easy to use
Pro Free
Pro Add notes or tags to items
Most effective with stacks that don't automatically delete the oldest members, tags and notes allow you to use CopyQ as a personal database for important information with easy access and retrieval.
Pro Cross-platform and cross-DE
CopyQ supports all major Linux desktop environments (including KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, etc.), Windows and MacOS X 10.9+.
Pro Can sort and store based on content type
Built-in support for text, HTML, images or any other custom formats, allowing for type-based clip stacks that each have their own custom actions (open images in a photo editor, open URLs in a browser, etc.)
Pro Browse and filter items in history
Quickly locate that snippet you copied months ago but don't recall precisely what it was.
Pro Easy to use
Very clear and thoughtful user interface.
Pro Flexible shortcut system
Offers many options for autotext.
Pro No subscription, perpetual license
Unlike other text expanders, PhraseExpress is a one time purchase.
Pro Versions for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android
Pro Phrase menu
Pro Document generator
Pro Portable option
Can run from a USB device.
Pro Works with Mac and Windows and iPhone
There are versions for all platforms, that can synchronize snippets.
Pro Sophisticated macro language
It has many macro functions. Macros can be combined and nested.
Pro Supports RTF formatting and Word documents
Pro Does not force to use a cloud service
It can run standalone without the need to connect to the Internet.
Pro Fill-In forms with may options
You cannot only add simple text input but also radio buttons, check boxes, etc.
Pro Includes Outlook addon to automate email replies
Pro Clipboard Manager with cool extra features
If email addresses or URL are part of the clipboard contents, PE offers you to send an email to that address or to open the web site.
Cons
Con impossible to quit/start copyq via script
Con In linux, it sometimes does not react to shortcuts
Also buggy when hiding.
Con Sometimes copies filtered entries in between selection
Con Can't export images in bulk
Con Slow with many entries
Con Slow to place selected content on editor
Takes a while to place the selected text into the editor.
Con No Linux version
Some people might want it.
