Alternatives · Utilities
Karabiner-Elements alternatives
Karabiner-Elements compared with 6 alternatives: BetterTouchTool, Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, Mac Mouse Fix, Homerow and 1 more.
Karabiner-Elements is free to use. 2 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 4 more offer a free trial.
6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karabiner-ElementsThis tool | Free | Free | macOS |
| BetterTouchTool | Free trial · from $15 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Keyboard Maestro | Free trial · from $36 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Hammerspoon | Free | Free | macOS |
| Mac Mouse Fix | Free trial · from $2.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Homerow | Free trial · from $49.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| LinearMouse | Free | Free | macOS |
How each one differs from Karabiner-Elements
- Free trial · from $15 one-time
BetterTouchTool
Mac input customization: gestures, shortcuts and automation
- BetterTouchTool starts at $15 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates). Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Karabiner-Elements has a free plan. BetterTouchTool does not, though it has a free trial.
- BetterTouchTool can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Karabiner-Elements is open source, according to its own site.
- BetterTouchTool also covers workflow automation, launcher, clipboard manager and window management.
Suits: Mac users who want custom trackpad, mouse and keyboard gestures in one app
- 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. Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Karabiner-Elements has a free plan. Keyboard Maestro does not, though it has a free trial.
- Keyboard Maestro can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Karabiner-Elements is open source, according to its own site.
- Keyboard Maestro also covers workflow automation, clipboard manager, window management and text expansion.
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. Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Hammerspoon also covers workflow automation and window management.
- Karabiner-Elements also covers menu bar app and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Mac users comfortable writing Lua who want to script their own automation
- Free trial · from $2.99 one-time
Mac Mouse Fix
Trackpad-style gestures and smooth scrolling for third-party mice
- Mac Mouse Fix starts at $2.99 one-time purchase, plus local taxes. Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Karabiner-Elements has a free plan. Mac Mouse Fix does not, though it has a free trial.
- Mac Mouse Fix can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Karabiner-Elements also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users with a five-button mouse who miss trackpad gestures
- Free trial · from $49.99 one-time
Homerow
Keyboard labels for clicking any button or link on macOS
- Homerow starts at $49.99 one-time purchase. Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Karabiner-Elements has a free plan. Homerow does not, though it has a free trial.
- Homerow can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Karabiner-Elements is open source, according to its own site.
- Karabiner-Elements also covers menu bar app and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Keyboard-focused Mac users who want to stop reaching for the mouse
- Free
LinearMouse
Free, open-source mouse and trackpad customizer for Mac
- LinearMouse is free. Karabiner-Elements is free.
- Karabiner-Elements also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who want mouse scrolling reversed without changing the trackpad
Limits worth knowing in Karabiner-Elements
- macOS only. The current release supports macOS 13 Ventura and later; earlier systems need older versions from the download menu.
- Rules beyond simple key swaps are defined as JSON, either imported from the community gallery or written by hand.
- It cannot modify the fn key on non-Apple keyboards, or the eject key on some keyboards such as the Apple Wired Keyboard.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Karabiner-Elements?
The alternatives to Karabiner-Elements in this directory are BetterTouchTool, Keyboard Maestro, Hammerspoon, Mac Mouse Fix, Homerow and LinearMouse. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Karabiner-Elements.
Is there a free alternative to Karabiner-Elements?
Yes. Hammerspoon and LinearMouse are free to use.
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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