Setapp VS Opal

Compare Setapp VS Opal and see what are their differences

Rating: 0 reviews
Pricing: Paid Free trial $14.99 / Monthly (1 Mac)

Rating: 0 reviews
Pricing: Freemium Free trial $27 / Monthly (Core Essentials, 1,000 items, 5 GB storage, 25MB file uploads)

Graded Prompts

A curated marketplace for AI prompts, each human-reviewed and live-tested before it goes on sale. Skip prompt trial-and-error: buy working prompts for Midjourney, ChatGPT, Claude, and 26+ more models. Free options, paid from $2.99, plus subscriptions sponsored

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Setapp seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 15 times since March 2021.

social mentions: 15 vs 0
Project Management popularity: 94% vs 6%
alternatives listed: 240+ vs 14

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

	Setapp	Opal
Website	setapp.com	opalrecall.com
Pricing	Paid Free trial $14.99 / Monthly (1 Mac) Official pricing	Freemium Free trial $27 / Monthly (Core Essentials, 1,000 items, 5 GB storage, 25MB file uploads) Official pricing
Company	2017	Startup from the United States · 1 - 9 employees · 2025
Listed in	Project Management No Code Development Low Code +1	Knowledge Management Note Taking Productivity Knowledge Base Document Management Document Management System Task Management Todos Project Management Notes +7

About Setapp and Opal

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Setapp

Opal

A unified marketplace for Mac and iPhone users to get hand-picked, trusted apps. Get over 260 apps for a flat fee with Setapp Membership, or purchase individual apps on flexible terms through Setapp Marketplace.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Setapp 5 features

Opal 14 features

Diverse Application Library
Setapp provides access to a wide range of high-quality Mac applications across different categories, all from a single subscription service.
Cost-Effective
For a monthly fee, users gain access to multiple paid applications, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual app licenses.
Updates and Upgrades Included
All apps within Setapp come with automatic updates and upgrades included in the subscription, ensuring users always have the latest features and security patches.
Easy Installation and Management
The Setapp platform provides a user-friendly interface for browsing, installing, and managing applications, simplifying the overall user experience.
Free Trial Available
Setapp offers a 7-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore and evaluate the service before committing to a subscription.

Possible disadvantages

Subscription Model
Some users may prefer to own their applications outright rather than subscribing to a service, which can feel like an ongoing cost without permanent ownership.
Dependent on Continuity
If Setapp were to ever go out of business or a user decides to cancel their subscription, access to all the apps would be lost.
Mac Only
Setapp is currently only available for Mac users, which excludes Windows and Linux users from the service.
Limited Offline Use
While applications can generally be used offline, Setapp itself requires an internet connection for installation and license verification, which may be inconvenient for some users.
Not All Apps Included
Despite having a diverse range of applications, Setapp does not include every app a user might need or prefer, thus still necessitating separate purchases in some cases.

Spatial Knowledge Management
Store your notes & documents, drag them around, and zoom and pan an infinite canvas, like a big desk, so you can see everything in context
Block Editor for Docs & Notes
Author content in a WYSIWYG block editor with markdown under the hood and copy-paste & drag and drop support for images, media, and files.
Internal Item Links
Build your knowledge base, cross-reference standard operating procedures (SOPs), or just connect ideas with clickable internal links that open your other docs & notes
Binders
Stack similar and repeating content in binders or use them to archive old content to keep your workspaces clutter-free
Fences
Spatially organize projects and similar content in draggable, resizable fences that provide unique work zones for different projects
Open Multiple Items
It's much easier to make comparisons, cross-reference information, and get a clearer picture of your work when you can see it all at once and drag and drop content from one open item to another.
Sharing
Share content with anyone, configure 4 levels of permissions (view, edit, share, delete shares), and collaborate in real-time on notes and documents
Opal API with AI Agent Skill
Programmatically manage your Opal content through the API or give your AI agents view or full access to create and manage content for you
AI Transcription Integration with CRUSH
Connect your [CrushTheMemory.com](http://CrushTheMemory.com) device to store your recordings and transcriptions as Opal notes or documents and map your CRUSH folders to fences, binders, and/or workspaces
Drag and Drop Files
Store PDFs, images, video, documents, or any file as File item types on your workspaces or as rich media embedded in notes and documents
Export Content
Export your content as HTML, markdown, or PDF
Publish to the Web
Publish content as external web pages for anyone to view without an Opal account
Bookmarks & iFrames
Bookmark links (that you can take notes on) and embed iframe content (like Google Docs) to view and edit while in Opal
Zero Nonsense Task List
Set the date (or default to "today") and create 10 tasks on the same day in seconds with zero clicks, sorted stalest first, that connect to your notes & docs. One-click dismissal.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Setapp

Opal

Overall verdict

Overall, Setapp is considered good for users who frequently use multiple Mac apps and value convenience and flexibility. It provides excellent value for money by offering a diverse selection of reliable and well-crafted applications. However, it might not be the best choice for those who only need a few specific applications or prefer to own their software outright.

Why this product is good

Setapp is a subscription-based service that provides access to a wide range of Mac applications for a single monthly fee. Users often find it beneficial because it offers a curated selection of high-quality apps without the need to purchase each one individually. It saves time and money for those who require multiple tools, ensuring they always have the latest versions without additional costs. Furthermore, it simplifies software management by centralizing the process of discovering, updating, and accessing various applications.

Recommended for

Setapp is recommended for professionals, creatives, and productivity enthusiasts who use a variety of Mac applications regularly and appreciate the ease of access to a comprehensive software library without the hassle of individual purchases. It's also suitable for users who enjoy exploring new tools and apps to enhance their workflow.

Overall verdict

Opal (opalrecall.com) is a solid choice for individuals and teams looking for a privacy-focused, AI-powered tool to capture, organize, and recall information such as meeting notes, screen activity, or personal knowledge, though it may still be maturing compared to more established competitors.

Why this product is good

Combines AI search with personal knowledge management to help users quickly retrieve past information
Offers privacy-conscious design, appealing to users cautious about data security
Simplifies capturing screen activity, notes, or meeting content in an organized, searchable format
Actively developed with a focus on productivity and reducing time spent searching for information
Provides a clean, user-friendly interface suited for both individuals and small teams

Recommended for

Professionals who need to quickly recall meeting details or research
Teams looking for lightweight knowledge management tools
Individuals concerned about data privacy in AI-driven apps
Remote workers who rely on digital notes and screen captures for productivity
Users seeking an alternative to bulkier enterprise knowledge management systems

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Setapp 1 video + Add

Opal 4 videos + Add

What's Setapp?

Introducing Opal

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100

Setapp

Opal

94% 94%

Project Management

6% 6%

91% 91%

Productivity

9% 9%

100% 100%

No Code

0% 0%

Document Management

100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing Setapp and Opal.

What's the story behind your product?

Setapp's answer

Setapp was created in 2016 by MacPaw, the company behind apps such as CleanMyMac, ClearVPN, and more. The key idea behind Setapp was to give users a simple way to discover high-quality apps for Mac. Over the years, the catalog has grown to over 260 apps and now includes tools for Mac, iOS, and web. Setapp is localized in eight languages and has users all over the world. Here are the key dates:

November 2016: Setapp closed beta is launched for the press, opinion leaders, and influencers. December 6, 2016: Setapp Beta release. January 25, 2017: Setapp public release. August 6, 2020: Setapp let users install iOS apps. August 11, 2021: Setapp arrives on iPhone and iPad. March, 2026: Single app purchase via Setapp Marketplace is introduced. Now, Setapp includes 260+ apps, 50+ iOS apps, and about 10 web apps with more to come.

Opal's answer:

Something was lost when everything went digital. Having used various tools for years, I eventually discovered a fatal flaw that nearly all knowledge management tools suffer from: their attepts to organize content became the means by which content got buried. Over time as more content gets added, it became harder to find things, especially when you can't remember what you called it.

We remember things in physical space because we see them all the time and register their existence subconsciously, even if we don't need them in the moment. For example, if you asked where my keys were, I could tell you instantly. This spatial reasoning and thinking effect is severely hindered in the digital space.

After enough frustration, I decided to do something about it: build a spatial knowledge management tool that lets you see everything all at once. As you pan and zoom around your workspace, you are registering the existence of things even when you don't need them in that moment. That changes everything over time. Organizing becomes less about categorization, labeling, or hierarchy, and more about placement and "where I left it". Your brain remembers where far more easily than what. This is why I built Opal.

What makes your product unique?

Setapp's answer

Setapp's key differentiators:

-Curation. Setapp is a curated platform with trusted, hand-picked apps — not a place filled with self-submitted apps.

-Professional focus. Setapp includes apps aimed at improving productivity and workflows for professionals who rely on their Macs. Setapp users range from developers and marketers to educators, healthcare experts, logistics and retail professionals, and more.

-Flexible access. Users have two ways to get apps: a single-fee subscription to 260+ fully unlocked Mac, iOS, and web apps; or individual app purchases via Setapp Marketplace, for those who need just a few apps rather than the full catalog.

-Security. Setapp holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SOC 2, and GDPR certifications. Apps are not permitted to display ads or include hidden in-app purchases.

-AI access. AI+ plans give access to all popular LLM models — GPT, Claude, Gemini, and Grok — through a single gateway.

Setapp gives users apps they can count on. It’s not an endless store but a curated collection of apps worth users’ time and money.

Opal's answer:

All your content is on a visual, infinite canvas desk. Notes, documents, files, etc. are draggable icons that you can organize spatially because we remember WHERE things are, not just what they're called. Opal keeps your work in sight so your brain never drops it.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Setapp's answer

-Quality over volume. The catalog includes only hand-picked, trusted apps. When downloading an app from Setapp, users can be sure it is high quality and safe to use.

-Trusted apps, no fillers. Every app is Apple-notarized, ad-free, fully unlocked, and has no features locked behind additional paywalls. Getting apps through Setapp means avoiding malware and unpleasant surprises.

-Save costs. Setapp Membership offers access to over 260 apps for a flat fee — no need to subscribe to multiple individual apps and juggle subscriptions. In Setapp Marketplace, users can purchase hand-picked, trusted apps individually, with no need to double-check quality or security.

Opal's answer:

When content is spatially organized, you stop losing content buried under folders, hierarchies, categories, and menus. Your brain begins to fire differently, sparking new ideas and spotting links, patterns, and opportunities it used to miss. - You connect ideas across clients, projects, and ideas - You Stay In Flow, No Context Lost, And No Rhythm Broken - You make faster, sharper decisions because every note and project is visible at once - You reuse your best work instead of rebuilding it from scratch - You eliminate the need for text-based searches and can find things even if you can't remember what you named them

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Setapp's answer

Setapp is actively used by professionals who rely heavily on their Macs and want to improve their workflows — including developers, IT specialists, content creators, designers, marketers, writers, educators, students, and specialists in agriculture, logistics, retail, healthcare, and other fields.

Opal's answer:

Solopreneurs, freelancers, people juggling multiple clients, visual thinkers, neurodivergent thinkers, and people who've quit productivity apps.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

Opal's answer:

Web-based application built on NodeJS, Express, Form.io (MongoDB), and JavaScript.

User comments

Share your experience with using Setapp and Opal. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Setapp 15 mentions

Opal 0 mentions

Ask HN: How to Sell as a Software Engineer?
> I've reached the conclusion that software quality and even price matters much less than distribution, especially now. I highly doubt that is true. We don't yet know how end-users will make purchasing decisions now that almost anyone... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
Show HN: BoringBar – a taskbar-style dock replacement for macOS
There could be 4x buyers at $10. I’d be one of the now, the dock is a constant annoyance. The app looks great, downloading the trial now. To the app’s author I’d say get as many licensees as you can fast before you’re Sherlocked or... - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
Coders Coded Their Job Away. Why Are So Many of Them Happy About It?
I used a bunch of tools from https://setapp.com/ and no longer subscribe. I used to pay for Linear for all my personal projects, built one with CC that perfectly fits my needs… I also built a myriad of small tools that help me automate... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

Tracking Opal since Apr 2026.

Alternatives to Setapp and Opal

When comparing Setapp and Opal, you can also consider the following products.

Konfigure
APARTMENTS | VILLA | WORKSPACE | RETAIL

Compare Konfigure to Setapp or Opal:

Konfigure vs Setapp Konfigure vs Opal
Notion
All-in-one workspace. One tool for your whole team. Write, plan, and get organized.

Compare Notion to Setapp or Opal:

Notion vs Setapp Notion vs Opal
Metavine Platform
Metavine Platform is a comprehensive Platform-as-a-Service that help businesses build agility and compete effectively in the digital world by enabling them to iterate and create apps quickly.

Compare Metavine Platform to Setapp or Opal:

Metavine Platform vs Setapp Metavine Platform vs Opal
Google Docs
Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

Compare Google Docs to Setapp or Opal:

Google Docs vs Setapp Google Docs vs Opal
QuickBase
Quickbase provides a no-code operational agility platform that enables organizations to improve operations through real time insights and automation across complex processes and disparate systems.

Compare QuickBase to Setapp or Opal:

QuickBase vs Setapp QuickBase vs Opal
Miro
Join Millions of users that collaborate from all over the planet using Miro. Experience the power of the #1 visual workspace for innovation. More than 100M users and 250,000 companies are collaborating on the canvas.

Compare Miro to Setapp or Opal:

Miro vs Setapp Miro vs Opal