Comparison

OpenCat vs Aether

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OpenCat

This AI utility tool offers seamless integration of advanced AI models into your daily routine on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It features a user-friendly interface, keyboard extensions for in-app AI access, and Siri/shortcut integration for automation. Supports a wide range of popular AI models and offers team deployment options.

Highlights
  • Support for latest popular AI models
  • Keyboard extensions for in-app AI
  • Realistic voice synthesis
  • Siri and shortcut integration
  • Team deployment with Docker
  • Customizable AI parameters
  • Markdown content rendering
Features
Read full description

Bring AI into every part of your workflow: chat, writing, translation, and search. · Multiple model options — local models, API Key, Cloud subscription, Apple Intelligence · MCP — supports MCP and tool calls · Web search — available on OpenCat Cloud and select providers · System-wide translation — select text in any app for instant AI translation · Content rendering — supports LaTeX formulas, Markdown, and code highlighting · Cross-platform — natively built for Mac, iPhone, and iPad · Data privacy — stored locally, synced across devices via iCloud [Pro Features] · AI Keyboard — invoke AI right in the text field of any app to polish or reply in one step · OpenCat Cloud subscription provides access to all major models [A Variety of Models] · OpenCat Cloud — fast access to leading models · Local models — one-tap download of open-source models for offline use, accelerated by Apple silicon · BYOK — use your own API Key, including Coding Plan · System models — supports Apple Foundation Models [OpenCat Cloud — Ready to Use, No Setup] · No sign-up, zero configuration, all major models supported · 50+ models — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, DeepSeek, GLM, MiniMax, Kimi, Qwen, Doubao, and more, all in one place · Online search supported [System-Level AI Translation] Set OpenCat as your default translation app to translate selected text directly in Safari, Mail, Notes, and any other app. Powered by large language models, translations are natural and fluent — far superior to traditional translation engines. [Local Models, Offline Inference] · One-tap download — popular open-source models like Llama, Qwen, and Gemma · Apple silicon acceleration — built on Apple's official MLX framework, fully leveraging GPU performance for fast, energy-efficient inference · Fully offline — works without internet, conversation data never leaves your device [Use Your Own API Key] · 25+ providers supported — OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Kimi, Qwen, Doubao, ERNIE, and more [Contact Us] Email: support@dreamoon.ai Terms of Use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy & Third-party AI Service Privacy Policy https://opencat.app/privacy

About

Aether

Features
Read full description

Soar with local AI. Aether brings a modern, localized, general-purpose AI Agent experience directly to your iOS device. Powered by Pi Coding Agent kernel and equipped with a local, sandboxed Alpine Linux environment, Aether transforms your mobile device into a powerful AI workbench. Whether you are writing code, researching complex topics, executing scripts, or running multi-tool workflows, Aether delivers unmatched speed, privacy, and capability—wrapped in a silky-smooth, minimalist interface. Key Features: • Local Linux Sandbox & Tool Execution Run shell commands, JavaScript, and custom tools locally within a bundled, isolated Alpine Linux environment. Safely inspect, create, and manage files right inside your app workspace. • Multi-Provider LLM Integration Bring your own keys and connect seamlessly with leading AI models, including OpenAI (GPT-5.6 Sol), Anthropic (Claude Fable 5), Google Gemini, DeepSeek, and custom OpenAI-compatible endpoints. • Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support Extend your AI agent's skills by connecting to remote HTTP MCP servers, unlocking specialized external tools and live integrations. • Minimalist & Premium User Interface Designed with meticulous detail inspired by top-tier tools. Enjoy smooth gesture navigation, rich fluid micro-animations, customizable dark/light themes, and clean code formatting. • Extensible Architecture Tailor agent behaviors, custom prompts, and UI extensions using Pi extensions and TypeScript script modules. • Privacy-First & Local Storage Your API keys, chat history, and workspace files remain securely on your device. Experience true AI autonomy on the go. Download Aether today and take your mobile AI workflow to the next level!

Screenshots

OpenCat4 screens
Aether4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: OpenCat at Free against Aether's $2.99. Aether's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and chart position (#127 vs unranked). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

OpenCat is free to download; Aether costs $2.99 up front. OpenCat sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Aether asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
OpenCat versus Aether: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenCatAether
PriceFree — better$2.99
Rating4.6 (846 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings846 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank—#127 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size96 MB74 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperEarly Moon, LLC堃 周

Bugs and requests

OpenCat

Reported bugs

6 issues
  • Streaming response disruptions
  • Disappearing API key input fields
  • Inconsistent Markdown rendering
  • Keyboard extension not working as expected
  • Sync issues between devices
Show 1 more
  • Crashes and freezes when handling large inputs

Requested features

7 requests
  • Support for more AI models (e.g., Ollama, Groq)
  • Markdown rendering for chat responses
  • Ability to upload images and files
  • Customizable keyboard extensions
  • Background task support for long-running queries
Show 2 more
  • Prompt library and sharing functionality
  • Integration with other productivity apps (e.g., Shortcuts)

Aether

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

OpenCat

Subscriptions2
  • Cloud AI3 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Cloud AI$24.991 Year
One-time2
  • Tokens Package$5.99
  • OpenCat Pro$9.99
None

Aether

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is OpenCat free?
OpenCat is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aether free?
Aether costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do OpenCat or Aether have ads?
Neither OpenCat nor Aether shows ads.

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