Siri is built into every Mac. Nova is a local AI agent with deep automation, screen awareness, and a plugin marketplace. How do they compare?
Siri is Apple's built-in assistant — it comes pre-installed, works across all Apple devices, and integrates with HomeKit and the Apple ecosystem. However, Siri is primarily cloud-dependent, limited in automation depth, and cannot read your screen or manage complex app workflows. Nova runs locally on your Mac with 50+ deep automations, an ambient screen observer, a custom personality system, and a plugin marketplace. If you want an assistant that goes beyond basic queries and truly controls your Mac, Nova offers significantly more depth.
| Feature | Nova | Siri |
|---|---|---|
| Runs locally (no cloud)Siri processes most queries in the cloud | ||
| Privacy — data stays on deviceSiri sends audio to Apple servers for most requests | ||
| Works offlineSiri has limited offline functionality | ||
| Free to useBoth are free | ||
| iMessage read and sendSiri can send but has limited conversation context | ||
| Spotify controlSiri works with Apple Music, not Spotify | ||
| Screen observation | ||
| Automation count (50+)Siri handles basic tasks; limited complex automation | ||
| Custom personality | ||
| Learning and memorySiri does not learn user preferences over time | ||
| Deep app controlSiri has shallow integration with most apps | ||
| Voice activationBoth support voice | ||
| Third-party integrationsSiri Shortcuts exist but are limited in scope |
Free download. No signup required. Runs locally on your Mac.
Download Nova FreemacOS 12+ · Apple Silicon · No cloud required
Siri handles basic queries — setting timers, checking weather, opening apps. Nova goes much deeper: it reads your screen, manages iMessage conversations, controls Spotify, learns your preferences, and runs 50+ automations. It's a full autonomous agent, not just a voice assistant.
Nova complements Siri rather than replacing it. Siri excels at system-level commands (volume, brightness, calls) and HomeKit control. Nova excels at complex automation, screen awareness, and deep app control. Many users run both — Siri for quick system commands, Nova for everything else.
Yes. Nova supports voice activation and voice commands. While Siri's 'Hey Siri' is more deeply integrated at the OS level, Nova's voice system is designed for complex automation commands and conversational interaction.
As of 2026, Siri has limited Spotify support on Mac. Nova provides full Spotify control — play, pause, skip, queue, search, and playlist management — all running locally without cloud processing.