Squint
Claim this toolGet AI explanations for any screen region instantly
From $10/mo (free plan available)Visit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- From $10/mo (free plan available). Compare plans
Key facts
- Desktop app that explains anything on your screen by dragging a box around it, no screenshots, no app switching.
- A free plan includes a limited number of captures per day/week with a fast model only; a paid plan offers a generous monthly credit allowance for both models.
- Runs on Windows and Linux (Wayland only), macOS coming soon; no background monitoring, only captures when you activate it.
Pros
- Eliminates context switching and re-explaining, drag a box to ask directly about what you see
- Fast activation and streaming response; no file uploads or separate chat windows
- Free plan is genuinely free with no trial timer or gated features
Cons
- Free plan limits daily/weekly captures and only uses the fast model
- No macOS support yet (planned); Linux support requires Wayland (not X11)
What is Squint?
Squint is a desktop app that lets you drag a box around any area of your screen and get an AI-generated explanation streamed beside it. You activate it via a hotkey (Win+Shift+Q) or a tray shortcut, select a region, optionally type a prompt, and read the answer without switching apps or uploading files. The app sits idle in your system tray until called, captures only the region you specify, and sends it to an AI API for analysis. Squint supports two models (a fast option for everyday tasks, a best option for complex ones), rich formatting (Markdown, math, code), 16 themes, dynamic windows, multiple region selections (up to 4), and locally stored searchable chat history. It's designed to eliminate the overhead of screenshotting, switching to a chat app, re-explaining context, and tabbing back, saving you from losing your train of thought.
Key Features
- Hotkey activation (Win+Shift+Q) to immediately capture a region
- Streamed responses with configurable streaming speed
- Two AI models: Fast (1 credit) and Best (25 credits), choose per capture
- Markdown, mathematical expressions, and code blocks in responses
- 16 themes including Dracula, Nord, Gruvbox, Catppuccin
- Dynamic sizing of the chat window based on response length
- Multiple region selection (up to 4 at once) by holding Shift
- Locally stored, searchable chat history for continuing conversations
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Sep 30, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 |
+4 moreShow less
|
| Plus | $10 / month |
|
Is Squint worth the price?
Good value
However, the lack of a yearly discount or overage pricing makes it slightly less flexible for heavy users.
Best for light daily users or those who want premium models without a high monthly commitment.
How Squint's pricing compares
At $10/mo, billing unit not specified, Squint is mid-range of its 5 comparable direct competitors ($8 to $30/mo across the set).
Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Sep 30, 2026.
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Squint FAQ
Is Squint watching my screen all the time?
No. Squint sits idle in the system tray and only captures a screenshot when you press the hotkey or click the Squint Capture button. There is no background recording, polling, or continuous capture.
What happens to the screen region I capture?
The region you selected is sent to OpenAI's API for processing. The captured data is not stored locally beyond the chat history you voluntarily keep, and it is never used for any purpose other than generating the response.
How do credits work on the Plus plan?
Plus gives you 2,500 credits per month. A capture using the Fast model costs 1 credit, and a capture using the Best model costs 25 credits. Follow-up questions cost the same as the initial capture. Unused credits expire at the end of the billing month.
On how many devices can I use Squint?
You can be signed in on up to 3 devices simultaneously, regardless of whether you are on the Free or Plus plan.
Can I use Squint on Linux under X11?
No, the Linux AppImage version only supports Wayland compositors (GNOME 45+ or KDE Plasma 6). X11 is not supported.
What happens if my capture fails or returns an empty result?
Captures that fail or return blank are never charged, neither on the Free plan (where captures are counted) nor on the Plus plan (where credits are deducted).
Do I need an account to use Squint?
Yes, you need a free account created with just an email address. There is no password; you sign in via a magic link sent to your email.
Can I rebind the hotkey from Win+Shift+Q?
Yes, you can rebind the hotkey in the app's settings if the default shortcut conflicts with other software.
Source: heysquint.com