Last checked: May 12, 2026
At a glance
Cluely markets a general-purpose real-time on-screen AI assistant positioned around an undetectable desktop overlay, with a small marketing site and a strong brand presence.
Pricing snapshot: Cluely lists free and paid subscription tiers; verify live pricing before purchase.
| Feature | ExtraBrain | Cluely | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core workflow | Live interview and meeting copilot with local-first session context. | General-purpose real-time on-screen AI assistant with a desktop overlay. | Choose based on whether you need a general desktop copilot or a more specialized interview product. |
| Pricing model | Free core Mac app; Pro is $9.99/month ($6.99 Founder), $79/year, or $149 Lifetime; external AI or transcription costs depend on providers you choose. | Cluely lists free and paid subscription tiers; verify live pricing before purchase. | Verify live checkout pages before purchase because plans and promotions can change. |
| Provider model | Local Gemma 4 where installed and compatible plus BYO OpenAI, Anthropic, Claude, Codex, or compatible endpoints. | Cluely bundles or manages AI access through its own product plans unless its current checkout says otherwise. | Provider control matters when billing, retention, and model choice need to stay in your accounts. |
| Responsible use | Publishes policy reminders for interviews, meetings, schools, employers, and platforms. | Cluely users should also verify the rules for each interview or meeting. | No tool can make prohibited assistance acceptable. |
Best for ExtraBrain
- People who want a free core Mac app, optional $9.99/month ($6.99 Founder), $79/year, or $149 Lifetime Pro controls, and separate BYO provider billing.
- People who want local Parakeet transcription and local Gemma 4 on-device AI where installed and compatible.
- People who need one desktop workflow for interviews, meetings, lectures, and research calls.
Best for Cluely
- People who want a broad, general-purpose on-screen assistant beyond interviews.
- People drawn to the Cluely brand and community.
- People who prefer a single vendor-managed model over bring-your-own providers.
Responsible use
Use any live AI assistant only where interview, workplace, school, and platform rules allow it. Do not use generated answers to misrepresent your skills, experience, or authorship.