Blackbird: a Cluely Alternative
Cluely popularised the invisible interview assistant. Blackbird takes the same idea and hands you the keys.
How Blackbird differs from Cluely
- —Bring your own API keys — twelve providers, no markup
- —A native Windows overlay rather than an Electron window
- —A free tier with 15-minute sessions
- —Local models via Ollama for fully offline use
- —A humanised auto-typer with realistic keystroke timing
How Blackbird fits in
Cluely is a subscription product that sends your screen to its own backend. Blackbird runs locally and talks directly to whichever provider you configure, so cost and data handling are yours to control.
Blackbird is a lightweight native Windows overlay drawn at the system compositor level. It is not a browser tab, an Electron window, or a shared surface, so it does not show up in screen recordings, screen-share streams, or active-window checks. It stays on top, accepts clicks without stealing focus, and disappears instantly with a hotkey.
Practical tips
- +Start on the free tier to see whether the workflow suits you.
- +Use your own OpenAI or Claude key to pay per token rather than per month.
- +Configure Ollama if you want nothing leaving the machine.
- +Set the system prompt once — it rides on every request.
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackbird cheaper than Cluely?
The free tier costs nothing beyond your own API usage, and Pro is $30/month with a one-time $20 single-month option.
Does it work the same way?
Same idea — an invisible overlay with screenshot-to-AI — implemented as a native Windows layer instead of an Electron app.
Can I use my own models?
Yes: OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek, Kimi, Grok, Mistral, Perplexity, OpenRouter, or a local Ollama model.
Mac support?
Not currently. Blackbird is Windows 10 and 11.
You are responsible for following the rules of any exam, employer or institution you use Blackbird with. No tool can account for human observation or behavioural review.