Alternatives · Utilities
Hazel alternatives
Hazel compared with 7 alternatives: Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, Apple Shortcuts, AppCleaner, Default Folder X and 2 more.
Hazel is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license). 4 of the 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| HazelThis tool | Free trial · from $42 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Keyboard Maestro | Free trial · from $36 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Hammerspoon | Free | Free | macOS |
| Apple Shortcuts | Free | Free | macOS, iOS |
| AppCleaner | Free | Free | macOS |
| Default Folder X | Free trial · from $39.95 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Dropzone | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | macOS |
| Fences | Free trial · from $9.99/yr | Trial only | Windows |
How each one differs from Hazel
- Free trial · from $36 one-time
Keyboard Maestro
Macro automation for macOS with triggers and actions
- Keyboard Maestro starts at US$36 one-time purchase for version 11, plus applicable tax. Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Keyboard Maestro also covers clipboard manager, window management and text expansion.
- Hazel also covers disk cleanup and file management.
Suits: Mac users who repeat the same multi-step tasks and want to automate them
- Free
Hammerspoon
Free, open-source macOS automation scripted in Lua
- Hammerspoon is free. Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Hammerspoon has a free plan. Hazel does not, though it has a free trial.
- Hammerspoon is open source, according to its own site.
- Hazel can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Hammerspoon also covers window management.
Suits: Mac users comfortable writing Lua who want to script their own automation
- Free
Apple Shortcuts
Free automation app for iPhone, iPad and Mac, built by Apple
- Apple Shortcuts is free. Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Apple Shortcuts has a free plan. Hazel does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Apple Shortcuts lists an iOS app.
- Hazel can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Apple Shortcuts also covers templates and no-code.
Suits: iPhone, iPad and Mac owners automating tasks across Apple's apps
- Free
AppCleaner
Small Mac utility that uninstalls apps and their leftover files
- AppCleaner is free. Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- AppCleaner has a free plan. Hazel does not, though it has a free trial.
- Hazel can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and file management.
Suits: Mac users who want an app's support files removed along with the app
- Free trial · from $39.95 one-time
Default Folder X
Faster Open and Save dialogs and folder access on the Mac
- Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license). Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and disk cleanup.
Suits: Mac users who open and save files across many folders every day
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Dropzone
Drag-and-drop action grid and file shelf for the Mac menu bar
- Dropzone starts at $4.99 / month or $19.99 / year (Mac App Store), or $35 one-time direct. Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Dropzone has a free plan. Hazel does not, though it has a free trial.
- Dropzone also covers file sharing and menu bar app.
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and disk cleanup.
Suits: Mac users who move, copy and upload files by drag and drop all day
- Free trial · from $9.99/yr
Fences
Windows desktop organizer that groups icons into shaded areas
- Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription). Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Only Fences lists a Windows app.
- Only Hazel lists a macOS app.
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and disk cleanup.
Suits: Windows users whose desktop is crowded with shortcuts and files
Limits worth knowing in Hazel
- macOS only; Hazel 6 requires macOS 13.0 (Ventura) or later.
- After the 14-day evaluation, an unlicensed copy drops to Demo mode: one monitored folder, two active rules and no import or export.
- A license covers one major version. Moving from any earlier version to Hazel 6 is a $20 paid upgrade.
- Rule sync works per folder and cannot merge rule sets: a second Mac's existing rules for that folder are overwritten.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Hazel?
The alternatives to Hazel in this directory are Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, Apple Shortcuts, AppCleaner, Default Folder X, Dropzone and Fences. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Hazel.
Is there a free alternative to Hazel?
Yes. Hammerspoon, Apple Shortcuts and AppCleaner are free to use. Dropzone has a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Hazel alternatives work on Windows?
The Hazel listing does not include a Windows app. Fences lists one.
Which Hazel alternatives work on iOS?
The Hazel listing does not include an iOS app. Apple Shortcuts lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to Hazel?
Hammerspoon is described as open source on its own site.
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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