ChatGPTBox vs Saladict
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
Open source · MIT
A browser extension that adds a ChatGPT-style chat box to web pages and search results.
Open source · MIT
A browser extension for looking up and translating words and text on web pages and PDFs.
The short answer
Choose ChatGPTBox if you need…
- People who want an AI chat panel available while browsing
- Readers who often summarize articles or videos
- Users who want to connect their own API endpoint in Custom Model mode
- Developers who want to use AI help on code pages such as GitHub
Choose Saladict if you need…
- Language learners who read foreign-language websites or PDFs
- Readers who want quick pop-up definitions without leaving the page
- Users who want to save looked-up words in a notebook for later review
- People who prefer an open-source, MIT-licensed tool
Side-by-side
| ChatGPTBox | Saladict | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | App | App |
| Price | Free and open source | Free and open source |
| Licence | MIT | MIT |
| GitHub stars | 10.8k | 13.4k |
| Setup difficulty | Beginner | Beginner |
| How you get it | Use it in the browser (or self-host) | Use it in the browser (or self-host) |
| Main language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Last code update | 5 days ago | 6 days ago |
What each one is
ChatGPTBox
ChatGPTBox is a browser extension that lets you call up an AI chat window on almost any web page with a keyboard shortcut. It can summarize pages, work on selected text (such as translating or explaining code), and appear beside search results or sites like GitHub and YouTube. It can connect to several AI services, including custom or self-hosted APIs.
Saladict
Saladict is a Chrome and Firefox browser extension that shows a pop-up dictionary when you select text on a web page. It also offers page translation, a new-word notebook for saving vocabulary, and selection search inside PDFs. People use it to look up unfamiliar words and translate content while reading in the browser.
Best for
ChatGPTBox
- People who want an AI chat panel available while browsing
- Readers who often summarize articles or videos
- Users who want to connect their own API endpoint in Custom Model mode
- Developers who want to use AI help on code pages such as GitHub
Saladict
- Language learners who read foreign-language websites or PDFs
- Readers who want quick pop-up definitions without leaving the page
- Users who want to save looked-up words in a notebook for later review
- People who prefer an open-source, MIT-licensed tool
Strengths
ChatGPTBox
- Works across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari, per the README install links
- Many built-in integrations with sites and search engines, and features can be switched off
- The README states it does not transmit prompts or page content unless an AI feature is triggered, and points to code search for verifying network calls
Saladict
- Free and open source under the MIT License
- Available on Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, and Microsoft Edge Add-ons
- Covers several features (dictionary, page translation, notebook, PDF search) in one extension
Not ideal for
ChatGPTBox
- People who want a fully offline tool, since it sends prompts to a configured AI service when an AI feature is used
- Users who need guaranteed free access, because the README mentions a free Web API option but does not explain its limits
- Anyone needing a standalone desktop chat app rather than a browser add-on
Saladict
- People who need offline-only use, since the README does not describe an offline mode
- Users looking for a standalone desktop app, since it is a browser extension
- Anyone who needs a guaranteed dictionary source, because the README says some dictionaries depend on API keys set in a .env file
Trade-offs
ChatGPTBox
- Depends on an external AI service, so results and privacy depend on the service you configure
- The README is truncated and does not fully document setup for every AI provider
- Some listed features depend on which API you choose, such as Web API for free users
Saladict
- The README is truncated and does not list which dictionaries or languages are supported
- Some dictionaries need API keys configured through a .env file when building from source
- Building from source requires a Yarn-based toolchain and the README gives no version requirements
Getting started
ChatGPTBox
Install from Chrome Web Store (link from README)
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chatgptbox/eobbhoofkanlmddnplfhnmkfbnlhpbboInstall from Firefox Add-ons (link from README)
https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/chatgptbox/Saladict
Install from Chrome Web Store (link from README)
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/cdonnmffkdaoajfknoeeecmchibpmkmg?hl=enClone the repository to build from source
git clone git@github.com:crimx/ext-saladict.gitFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between ChatGPTBox and Saladict?
ChatGPTBox: A browser extension that adds a ChatGPT-style chat box to web pages and search results. Saladict: A browser extension for looking up and translating words and text on web pages and PDFs. ChatGPTBox suits people who want an ai chat panel available while browsing, while Saladict suits language learners who read foreign-language websites or pdfs.
Are ChatGPTBox and Saladict free?
ChatGPTBox: Free and open source. Saladict: Free and open source.
Is ChatGPTBox or Saladict more popular?
Saladict has more GitHub stars (13.4k) than ChatGPTBox (10.8k). Popularity isn't the same as fit — check which one matches your use case above.
What are other alternatives to ChatGPTBox and Saladict?
Other options people compare them with include Refined GitHub, Dark Reader.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.