7 Best Window Managers for Mac in 2023 (Free & Paid)
By Alex • Updated Sep 16, 2023
Best for: Overall | Windows | Mac
From people who work remotely to those who work in offices, time is valuable. To improve time management and resource allocation, there are numerous tools and applications available. One type of tool is Window Managers, which assist in organizing your digital workspace for increased efficiency.
In this guide, we'll introduce the 7 best window managers for Mac in 2023 to boost your productivity.
Best Window Management Apps for Mac
What Makes a Great Window Management App?
A great window management app should have the following features:
- Flexibility: The ability to define custom windows' sizes and positions, along with predefined templates.
- Ease of use: It should be user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to set up and use.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: It should offer customizable keyboard shortcuts for quick window management.
- Multiple Monitor Support: It should support multiple monitors, allowing you to manage windows across various displays.
- Consistency: The app should work consistently across all applications and should adhere to the macOS user interface guidelines.
Now, let's deep dive into our top picks for the best window management apps for Mac.
1. Magnet
Magnet is a renowned window management app for Mac. It provides users with a straightforward way to organize their app windows, enhancing productivity and making multitasking much easier.
Key Features:
- Allows you to snap app windows using keyboard shortcuts, drag-and-drop, and from the menu bar.
- Supports up to six external displays in different orientations, including vertical orientation.
- Offers predefined shortcuts, which you can remap according to your preferences.
Our Take:
Magnet is a versatile tool that significantly improves window management on Mac. Its ability to snap windows in various arrangements is particularly useful for users who manage multiple Mac monitors. The one-time fee of $7.99 is a fair price for the value it offers, particularly to those who miss the Windows 11's Snap feature.
2. BetterSnapTool
BetterSnapTool is one of the oldest and closest alternatives to Magnet, offering an impressive array of window management features at a fraction of the price.
Key Features:
- Allows you to snap windows to the corner or side by side with a simple drag and drop.
- Offers customizable snapping areas and window sizes to match your requirements.
- Works perfectly fine with Apple silicon Macs and macOS Ventura.
Our Take:
The customizable nature of BetterSnapTool is its main selling point. It's an excellent solution for those who prefer working with a trackpad or find dragging with the mouse uncomfortable. It is available for a one-time fee of $2.99 on the App Store.
3. Rectangle
Rectangle is a free and open-source window manager that is nearly a complete drop-in replacement for the no-longer-maintained Spectacle. It offers a simple yet effective solution for window management.
Key Features:
- Allows you to move, resize, center, use the on-screen grid, and much more, all without touching the mouse.
- Enables you to create a sequence of commands tied to one shortcut, easing complex move and sizing operations.
Our Take:
Rectangle is a robust window manager that is ideal for keyboard-centric users. Its ability to create sequences of commands tied to one shortcut makes it a versatile tool for managing complex window setups.
4. Mosaic
Mosaic is a window management tool that seamlessly integrates with the Mac operating system to allow easy dragging and dropping of windows.
Key Features:
- Offers custom layouts and standard presets.
- Comes with an Auto Layout feature that allows you to assign specific windows a designated spot.
- Can be controlled using a remote via your iPhone or iPad.
Our Take:
Mosaic stands out with its Auto Layout feature, which makes multitasking much more manageable. Its ability to be controlled remotely via an iPhone or iPad is a unique feature that adds to its convenience.
5. Moom
Moom is a user-friendly and unobtrusive macOS window management tool that allows for easy moving and resizing of app windows on your Mac.
Key Features:
- Offers pre-defined templates and intuitive mouse gestures for window management.
- Integrates seamlessly with the macOS interface via its menu in the zoom button of opened app windows.
Our Take:
Moom is ideal for those who want a window manager that blends in with the macOS interface. It's a bit pricier than some of the other options on this list, but its integration with macOS and easy-to-use interface justify the cost.
6. Swish
Swish takes a unique approach to window management by focusing on trackpad and Magic Mouse gestures.
Key Features:
- Offers 30 customizable gesture controls for window management.
- Works with multiple monitors.
- Allows you to set up multiple grids with the modifier keys.
Our Take:
If you're a fan of using the trackpad on your MacBook, Swish is a must-have. Its excellent implementation of gestures makes window management a breeze.
7. Divvy
Divvy offers a unique approach to window management with its grid-based system.
Key Features:
- Offers a 4 x 4 grid for easy placement of app windows.
- Allows for custom resizing and moving of windows within the grid.
- Features a simple and user-friendly interface.
Our Take:
Divvy is ideal for those who prefer a visual approach to window management. Its grid-based system allows for precise control over window placement and size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does macOS have a built-in window manager?
Yes, macOS has a built-in window manager known as Stage Manager. It allows you to organize multiple windows of open apps on your Mac. However, it's not as feature-rich as some third-party window management apps.
Can I use a window manager app with multiple monitors?
Yes, most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor.
How do I manage multiple windows on my Mac?
You can manage multiple windows on your Mac using various built-in features and third-party tools. For example, you can use Mission Control to view all open windows, Split View to divide the screen into two windows, or a third-party window manager, such as Swish or BetterSnapTool.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts to manage windows on my Mac?
Yes, macOS provides several keyboard shortcuts to manage windows. For example, press cmd tab to quickly switch between open windows on your desktop.
Conclusion
Get ready to streamline your productivity and make the most of your Mac with these fantastic window managers! Whether you need simple, intuitive window management or a full suite of customization options, there's a tool out there for you. Start experimenting with these tools today and transform the way you work on your Mac.