Comparison
hCalls vs Cluely for interviews
Cluely uses GPU-level rendering to hide its overlay from screen-sharing software. hCalls uses a phone companion to keep coaching off the laptop entirely. Different philosophies, different tradeoffs.
- Cluely: GPU-level stealth overlay, $75/mo for undetectability
- hCalls: phone companion keeps coaching off the laptop entirely
- Cluely experienced a data breach in 2025 (83K users affected)
- 50 free hCalls credits - no credit card, no data-privacy concerns
Quick answer: How do hCalls and Cluely compare?
Cluely is a desktop AI overlay that uses low-level GPU hooks (DirectX on Windows, Metal on macOS) to render suggestions invisibly during screen sharing. Its undetectability tier costs approximately $75/month. hCalls takes a different approach: the phone companion keeps coaching on a separate device entirely, eliminating the software-detection question. hCalls uses one-time credit passes ($4.99 and $19.99) with 50 free credits.
Choose Cluely if you want a general-purpose meeting assistant that extends beyond interviews. Choose hCalls if you want interview-specific resume-grounded guidance with simpler pricing and a privacy approach that does not depend on hiding software processes.
When Cluely might be the better fit
Cluely is designed as a general meeting assistant, not just for interviews. If you need AI-generated notes and suggestions during team meetings, sales calls, and interviews in a single tool, its broader scope may be useful.
Its GPU-level rendering is technically sophisticated - the overlay is designed to avoid standard screen-capture APIs used by Zoom, Meet, and Teams. If you prefer an on-screen overlay rather than looking at a phone, that approach is different from hCalls'.
When hCalls is the better fit
Cluely's undetectability tier costs $75/month. Mobile is billed separately (~$8/week). Some users have reported billing complaints and restrictive refund policies. hCalls costs $4.99 for 100 credits - no recurring charges, no separate mobile billing.
There is also a trust consideration. Cluely experienced a data breach in 2025 that exposed data for over 83,000 users after credentials were left in a public repository. hCalls' phone companion approach avoids relying on GPU-level hooks and process masking, which simplifies the privacy model.
Pricing, honestly
Cluely Free offers limited AI responses. Pro is ~$20/month. Pro with undetectability is ~$75/month. Mobile is ~$8/week (billed separately). Some users report unexpected annual charges.
hCalls starts with 50 free credits (no card), then $4.99 for 100 credits or $19.99 for 500 credits. Credits never expire. No recurring charges. Verify both products' current pricing before you buy.
Side-by-side comparison
Capabilities verified August 18, 2026. Verify current terms on Cluely's official site.
| Cluely | hCalls | |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth approach | GPU-level overlay hiding | Phone companion (off-laptop) |
| Undetectability cost | ~$75/month | Included (phone companion mode) |
| Entry price | Free (limited) / $20/mo Pro | $4.99 one-time (100 credits) |
| Second-device workflow | ~$8/week mobile (separate billing) | Included via QR-paired companion |
| Resume + JD context | General meeting AI | Core to every interview answer |
| Data breach history | 2025 breach (83K users) | No reported incidents |
| Interview-specific | General meeting tool | Purpose-built for interviews |
| Refund policy | Restrictive (24hr + video proof) | Credit passes, no subscription |
How it works
- 1
Decide your privacy approach
GPU overlay hiding (Cluely) vs separate device coaching (hCalls phone companion). Different risk profiles.
- 2
Compare total monthly costs
Cluely undetectable + mobile: ~$107/month. hCalls Pro Pass: $19.99 one-time for 500 minutes.
- 3
Try hCalls free - 50 credits, no card
Test resume-grounded guidance and the phone companion before you commit.
- 4
Follow the interview rules
Neither tool is allowed in every interview. Check the process.
Best for
- Candidates who want interview coaching without GPU overlay software
- People concerned about data privacy after Cluely's 2025 breach
- Job seekers who want $4.99 credit passes instead of $75/month stealth fees
- Anyone evaluating Cluely alternatives for interview-specific use
Sources & Verification
To ensure factual integrity and unbiased comparison, data points are verified directly against vendor websites and official public documentation.
This comparison reflects publicly available information verified as of August 18, 2026. Verify current pricing and features on each product's website. Neither tool is automatically allowed in every interview.
More comparisons
See how hCalls stacks up against other tools.
Everything You Want to Ask
Before You Buy
Setup, privacy, speed, and platform questions - answered directly.
Is hCalls cheaper than Cluely?
Yes. Cluely's undetectable tier is ~$75/month plus ~$8/week for mobile. hCalls costs $4.99 for 100 credits with phone companion included. No recurring charges.
Did Cluely have a data breach?
Yes. In 2025, Cluely experienced a breach affecting over 83,000 users after administrative credentials were left in a public GitHub repository. Evaluate each product's current security practices before sharing personal data.
Is hCalls' phone companion truly off-screen?
Yes. The phone companion runs on a separate paired device. No overlay, no process on the laptop, no GPU hooks. The interviewer's screen-share shows only what is on your laptop.
Is Cluely only for interviews?
No. Cluely is a general meeting assistant. hCalls is purpose-built for interviews with resume and JD grounding. If you only need interview help, hCalls is more focused and cheaper.
Ready for your next interview?
50 free credits. No credit card. Switch platforms anytime with the same account.
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