Refine
by Refine
What Refine is
Refine is an offline AI grammar checker for Mac apps. It provides grammar and fluency checks, explanations for fixes, rewriting, translation, read-aloud, snippets, style suggestions, and custom prompts. The app supports 36 languages and 59 varieties, works in most Mac apps, and lists plugins for Obsidian, Neovim, Sublime Text, and PopClip. After a one-time model download, grammar checks, rewrites, and translations can run without an internet connection. A local model keeps processing on the Mac; using a cloud AI service with a personal API key sends text directly to that provider, while keys are stored in macOS Keychain. Refine requires macOS 14 or later, and the site says an Apple Silicon Mac with 16GB memory runs the local model comfortably. The Free plan costs nothing and includes core grammar checking with limited advanced features. A 7-day trial is listed. Lifetime (1 device) costs $38, paid once, paid once for lifetime access, future updates, and no extra token fees. Windows and Linux versions are on a waitlist.
Who it suits
Refine suits Mac users who want grammar, rewriting, translation, and style tools across applications. It is especially relevant to users who prefer local processing or connecting their own AI provider key.
What it does well
- Works offline after model download
- Supports 36 languages and 59 varieties
- Integrates with several Mac apps
- Offers local and cloud AI choices
- Free plan includes core grammar checking
What to know first
- Requires macOS 14 or later
- Windows and Linux are waitlisted
- Lifetime license covers one device
- Free plan limits advanced features
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Core grammar checking · Limited advanced features · Occasional reminders · No account or credit card | Free |
| Lifetime | Paid once for lifetime access · 1 device | $38, paid once |
| Lifetime (1 device) | Paid once · All features unlocked · All future updates · Use on 1 device · No extra token fees | $38, paid once |
As refine.sh lists them, read 10 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Refine combines local grammar assistance with rewriting and translation across Mac applications. The free tier provides core checking, while broader features require the paid plan and compatible macOS hardware.
Facts from Refine's own pages
- API keys
- Users can connect their own API keys; the site says requests go directly to the provider and keys are stored in macOS Keychain. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Desktop app
- Yes · refine.sh, 21 Sept 2026
- Features
- It offers grammar and fluency checks, explanations for fixes, rewriting, translation, read-aloud, snippets, and custom prompts. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2025 · refine.sh, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · refine.sh, 21 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Canada · refine.sh, 28 Sept 2026
- Integrations
- The site lists plugins for Obsidian, Neovim, Sublime Text, and PopClip, and says Refine works in most Mac apps. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Refine supports 36 languages and 59 varieties. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Languages supported
- 36 · refine.sh, 21 Sept 2026
- License limit
- The displayed $38 lifetime license covers one device; the site also mentions multi-device licenses without displaying their price in the opened page. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The site identifies Runju Huang as an indie developer behind Refine. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- After a one-time model download, grammar checks, rewrites, and translations run on the Mac without an internet connection. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- With a local model selected, Refine processes writing on the Mac; if using a cloud AI service with a personal API key, text goes directly to that service. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Refine is an offline AI grammar checker for Mac apps. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Style suggestions
- Yes · refine.sh, 21 Sept 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to email [email protected] and offers a full refund within 30 days of purchase. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- Refine requires macOS 14 or later; the site says an Apple Silicon Mac with 16GB memory runs the local model comfortably. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
- Windows and Linux
- Windows and Linux versions are on a waitlist, with no availability timeline stated. · refine.sh, 10 Oct 2026
Where Refine stands on Freedom251
- Grammar checkers#70 of 88