The top pick for most Mac users is Rectangle because it’s free, open-source, and offers the essential window snapping and keyboard shortcuts without overwhelming configuration. For power users who want tiling layouts and workspaces, yabai is the most capable, though it requires command-line setup. Choose based on whether you need simple snapping or full automatic tiling.
What to Look For
When choosing a window manager for macOS, consider these factors:
- Snapping vs. Tiling: Snapping (drag to edges) is easy and familiar. Tiling automatically arranges windows in a grid, which is more powerful but has a learning curve.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: The best managers are keyboard-driven. Look for customizable shortcuts for moving, resizing, and full-screening windows.
- Multi-Display Support: If you use multiple monitors, ensure the manager handles them well, with per-display layouts and easy window movement.
- Menu Bar & GUI: Some managers have a menu bar icon for quick actions; others are purely keyboard/CLI. Decide which you prefer.
- Open Source vs. Paid: Free options like Rectangle are excellent. Paid ones like Magnet offer a polished GUI but little extra function.
- System Integration: Check for features like snapping to full screen, quarter tiles, and support for Spaces (virtual desktops).
Rectangle
Strengths: Free, open-source, and the de facto standard for window snapping. It offers drag-to-snap, keyboard shortcuts (similar to Windows), and supports quarter tiles, thirds, and custom layouts. It’s lightweight and works on Intel and Apple Silicon.
Trade-offs: No automatic tiling or complex layouts. It’s manual snapping only.
Who it suits: Most users who want a simple, reliable way to organize windows without learning a new system.
yabai
Strengths: A powerful tiling window manager that automatically arranges windows in a binary tree. Supports multiple tiling modes (bsp, stack), workspaces, and scripting. It can even manage windows without a dock or menu bar. Highly customizable via a config file.
Trade-offs: Requires command-line installation (Homebrew) and a config file. May need to disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) for full functionality, which is a security trade-off. Steep learning curve.
Who it suits: Developers and power users who want a fully automated, keyboard-driven workflow and are comfortable with the terminal.
Amethyst
Strengths: Open-source and offers automatic tiling with several layouts (e.g., tall, wide, fullscreen). It’s easier to set up than yabai, with a GUI for basic settings. Good for trying tiling without scripting.
Trade-offs: Less flexible than yabai. Some users find its default behaviors quirky. Development is slower.
Who it suits: Users who want automatic tiling but prefer a GUI over a config file.
Magnet
Strengths: A polished, paid app (Mac App Store) that offers snapping and keyboard shortcuts. Very stable and well-designed. Supports dragging to edges, corners, and custom keyboard shortcuts.
Trade-offs: Costs a small fee. No automatic tiling or advanced layouts.
Who it suits: Users who want a reliable, pretty app and are willing to pay for a slightly more refined experience than Rectangle.
Swish
Strengths: Unique: it uses trackpad gestures to control windows. Swipe, pinch, and tap to snap, resize, and manage windows. Very intuitive once learned. Works well with Mac trackpads.
Trade-offs: Paid app. Not for keyboard lovers. Gesture learning curve.
Who it suits: Laptop users who prefer gestures over keyboard shortcuts and want a fluid, tactile experience.
Hammerspoon
Strengths: A scripting tool that can be turned into a window manager. It’s essentially a Lua scripting environment for macOS, allowing you to write your own window management functions. Infinite flexibility.
Trade-offs: Requires programming knowledge. No out-of-the-box window management; you must code it. Not for casual users.
Who it suits: Programmers who want to build a custom window manager tailored to their exact workflow.
How to Choose
Budget: If you want free, choose Rectangle or Amethyst. If you’re okay paying a few dollars, Magnet or Swish are polished. yabai and Hammerspoon are free but cost time to learn.
Use Case: For basic snapping (like Windows), Rectangle is enough. For automatic tiling, start with Amethyst, then try yabai if you need more power. For gesture control, Swish. For complete customization, Hammerspoon.
Common Trade-offs: The main trade-off is simplicity vs. power. Rectangle is easy but manual. yabai is powerful but complex. Consider how much time you want to invest in setup and learning. Also, consider system security: yabai may require disabling SIP, which reduces macOS security. If that’s a concern, stick with Rectangle or Amethyst.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rectangle really free?
Yes, Rectangle is free and open-source. There’s a paid version on the Mac App Store, but the free download from the official website is identical in features.
Do I need to disable SIP for yabai?
For basic tiling, no. But for advanced features like window animations and moving spaces, you may need to disable SIP partially. This is a security trade-off; only do it if you understand the risks.
Can I use a window manager with multiple monitors?
Yes, all the options listed support multiple displays. Rectangle and Magnet handle them well. yabai and Amethyst can also manage per-display layouts.
Which window manager is best for a MacBook with a small screen?
Swish is great for trackpad users. Rectangle or Magnet with quarter-tile shortcuts can also maximize space. You can also use full-screen Spaces with any manager.
Will a window manager slow down my Mac?
No, these tools are lightweight and use minimal resources. They only run when you trigger them.
Can I use a window manager with Apple Silicon?
Yes, all the mentioned managers are compatible with Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs, as they are either Universal or run via Rosetta.
Bottom Line
For 90% of users, Rectangle is the best choice: free, reliable, and does exactly what most people need. If you’re a power user who wants automatic tiling, start with Amethyst for an easy introduction, then graduate to yabai if you need more control. If you prefer gestures, Swish is worth the price. Avoid Hammerspoon unless you’re a developer who enjoys scripting. Ultimately, the best window manager is the one that fits your workflow without getting in the way.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
More cards in this drawer
- Philips DST7060/20 7000 Series Iron: Specs & Fit
- Coal Fueled Jet Aircraft: Could It Work?675 L
- Remote Desktop on Raspberry Pi: How to Enable It
- Word Select Last Line in Paragraph?
- Google Assistant IFTTT Recipes: 7 Useful Automations
- OLED TVs in Dark Rooms: Why They Look Better and When They Don’t