CTRLpotato vs Cluely: Which AI interview assistant is best for live interviews?
Feature-by-feature, source-backed comparison for real‑time interviews and proctored online assessments.
Who each is for
CTRLpotato - high‑risk & discreet interviews/tests
- Runs on desktop; switch to the phone app in proctored scenarios.
- Stealth: system‑level obfuscation beyond overlays.
- Context buffer: combine audio, screenshots & text.
- Coding tools: preferred language, instant regen, model picker, follow‑ups.
Cluely - standard meeting assistance
- Overlay + transcription on desktop.
- Unproctored calls where visibility is fine.
- Post‑call summaries and coaching (Pro/Enterprise).
At a Glance
CTRLpotato
Platform: macOS, Windows
Signature: Phone mirror + remote control, stealth/obfuscation, context buffer (audio + screenshots + text), fine-grained controls (AI models, streaming, shortcuts, ...), code language re‑gen, follow‑ups.
Cluely
Platform: macOS, Windows
Signature: Desktop overlay with live transcription, meeting notes/recaps, post‑call coaching (higher tiers), calendar briefs.
Key differences
| Feature | CTRLpotato | Cluely |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile mirror & remote control | ✅ Yes - answers on your phone; trigger screenshot/AI/model switches/follow‑up remotely. | ❌ Desktop focus only. |
| Stealth/obfuscation depth | ✅ Obfuscation System targets Activity Monitor/Task Manager/app folders. | ⚠️ No obfuscation, app is visible in Activity Monitor/Task Manager and app folders. |
| Proctored exams / assessments | ✅ Designed workflow for assessments; aided by phone mirroring. | ❌ Not guaranteed undetectability for proctored software; may appear on full‑screen share; overlay may be visible in full‑screen lock. |
| Context capture | ✅ Audio + invisible/full‑screen/area screenshot + selected text into a rolling buffer. | ⚠️ Each request includes at most one screenshot; transcript is added if listening is on. |
| Model choice | ✅ Switch between top‑tier models; organize/save streaming/non‑streaming toggles. | ⚠️ AI models not specified; model switching not available. |
| Coding language regeneration | ✅ One‑click to regenerate code into a different programming language; set auto or preferred programming language. | ❌ Not available. |
| Follow‑up to last answer | ✅ Dedicated follow‑up feature, including from mobile mirror app. | ✅ Offers follow‑up prompts on desktop. |
| Spoken language coverage | ✅ Choose spoken and AI response language from 10+ supported options. | ⚠️ Primarily English; language configuration not available. |
| Live transcription | ✅ Records and transcribes long conversations. | ✅ Live transcription available when listening is enabled |
| After‑call coaching / summaries | ❌ Focused on live assistance rather than post‑call coaching | ✅ After‑call coaching and summaries on higher tiers |
| Platforms | ✅ macOS, Windows | ✅ macOS, Windows |
| Customer support | ✅ Direct access to founder; typically same-day response via email, X/Twitter, Reddit | ⚠️ Support available; community discussions suggest response times vary |
| Pricing | Free with 10 uses • $29/month Pro | Free (limited) • $20/month Pro |
Why candidates pick CTRLpotato over Cluely
Built for live, high‑stakes interviews
An AI interview assistant with phone mirroring + remote control keeps answers off screen during proctored exams.
Deeper stealth than overlays
System‑level obfuscation aims to avoid OS process lists and app traces.
Context that compounds
Combine audio, screenshots, and selected text into one rolling buffer for sharper answers.
Coder‑friendly controls
Pick models, toggle streaming, and regenerate code in your preferred language - fast.
FAQ
Is CTRLpotato safe for proctored exams?
It’s designed for live interviews and assessments: phone mirroring keeps answers off screen and deeper obfuscation reduces UI traces.
How is it different from Cluely during live coding?
Rolling context (audio + screenshots + text), model controls, preferred language + one-click re-gen, instant follow-ups—plus phone mirroring for proctored sessions.
What platforms and setup are required?
macOS and Windows
Can I choose the spoken language and the answer language?
CTRLpotato lets you set both (10+ options). Cluely supports multiple languages but offers limited user control over input/output language.