Alternatives · Utilities
Fences alternatives
Fences compared with 4 alternatives: DisplayFusion, Microsoft PowerToys, Files and Hazel.
Fences is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription). 3 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| FencesThis tool | Free trial · from $9.99/yr | Trial only | Windows |
| DisplayFusion | Free plan · from $34 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Microsoft PowerToys | Free | Free | Windows |
| Files | Free plan · from $12.99 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Hazel | Free trial · from $42 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from Fences
- Free plan · from $34 one-time
DisplayFusion
Multi-monitor taskbars, wallpaper and window control for Windows
- DisplayFusion starts at $34 one-time purchase per machine (Pro Standard, lifetime license). Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription).
- DisplayFusion has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
- DisplayFusion also covers window management and display control.
- Fences also covers file management.
Suits: Windows users working across two or more monitors
- Free
Microsoft PowerToys
Free Microsoft utilities for customizing Windows 10 and 11
- Microsoft PowerToys is free. Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription).
- Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Fences can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want window layouts, a launcher and key remapping from one free install
- Free plan · from $12.99 one-time
Files
Open-source file manager for Windows with tabs and dual pane
- Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price). Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription).
- Files has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
- Files is open source, according to its own site.
- Fences can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Files also covers file compression.
Suits: Windows users who want tabs, dual pane and tags in a file manager
- Free trial · from $42 one-time
Hazel
Rule-based automatic file organization for the Mac
- Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license). Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription).
- Only Hazel lists a macOS app.
- Only Fences lists a Windows app.
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and disk cleanup.
Suits: Mac users whose Downloads and Desktop folders fill up with unsorted files
Limits worth knowing in Fences
- Windows 10 and 11 only, including ARM devices; no Mac or Linux version is listed.
- A copy bought as a subscription stops working if the subscription is allowed to lapse.
- A permanent license covers Fences 6 and its 6.x updates but not later major versions, and the Steam edition is permanent-license only.
- The Single plan covers one device; running Fences on up to 5 PCs needs the Multi-Device plan or a 5-pack license.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Fences?
The alternatives to Fences in this directory are DisplayFusion, Microsoft PowerToys, Files and Hazel. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Fences.
Is there a free alternative to Fences?
Yes. Microsoft PowerToys is free to use. DisplayFusion and Files have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Fences alternatives work on macOS?
The Fences listing does not include a macOS app. Hazel lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Fences?
Microsoft PowerToys and Files are described as open source on their own sites.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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