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Alternatives · Utilities

Magnet alternatives

Magnet compared with 6 alternatives: Rectangle, Moom, Loop, Swish, BetterTouchTool and 1 more.

Magnet is a paid product, starting at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store). 3 of the 6 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
MagnetThis toolFrom $4.99 one-timeNomacOS
RectangleFreeFreemacOS
MoomFree trial · from $15 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
LoopFreeFreemacOS
SwishFree trial · from $16 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
BetterTouchToolFree trial · from $15 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
AmethystFreeFreemacOS

How each one differs from Magnet

  1. Rectangle

    Free, open-source window snapping for macOS

    • Rectangle is free. Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
    • Rectangle has a free plan. Magnet does not.
    • Rectangle is open source, according to its own site.
    • Magnet can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Magnet also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users who want window snapping by shortcut or drag at no cost

  2. Moom

    Mac window manager with saved layouts, snapping and a palette

    • Moom starts at $15 one-time purchase. Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).

    Suits: Mac users who rearrange the same windows each time they dock a laptop

  3. Loop

    Free, open-source macOS window manager with a radial menu

    • Loop is free. Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
    • Loop has a free plan. Magnet does not.
    • Loop is open source, according to its own site.
    • Magnet can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Magnet also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users who want to place windows with one held key and a cursor movement

  4. Swish

    Trackpad-gesture window manager for macOS

    • Swish starts at $16 one-time purchase (US price). Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
    • Magnet also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: MacBook and Magic Trackpad users who prefer gestures to keyboard shortcuts

  5. BetterTouchTool

    Mac input customization: gestures, shortcuts and automation

    • BetterTouchTool starts at $15 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates). Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
    • BetterTouchTool also covers workflow automation, launcher, clipboard manager and keyboard and mouse remapping.
    • Magnet also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users who want custom trackpad, mouse and keyboard gestures in one app

  6. Amethyst

    Free, open-source automatic tiling window manager for macOS

    • Amethyst is free. Magnet starts at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
    • Amethyst has a free plan. Magnet does not.
    • Amethyst is open source, according to its own site.
    • Magnet can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Magnet also covers menu bar app.

    Suits: Mac users who want windows arranged automatically as they open

Limits worth knowing in Magnet

  • macOS only and sold solely through the Mac App Store; it requires macOS 13 Ventura or later.
  • The pages read mention no free version or trial; the app is a paid download.
  • Windows can be arranged within the active Space but not across different Spaces.
  • Non-standard windows cannot be resized, and Adobe Creative Suite and Creative Cloud apps older than the 2017 versions are not supported.
Magnet pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Magnet?

The alternatives to Magnet in this directory are Rectangle, Moom, Loop, Swish, BetterTouchTool and Amethyst. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Magnet.

Is there a free alternative to Magnet?

Yes. Rectangle, Loop and Amethyst are free to use.

Is there an open-source alternative to Magnet?

Rectangle, Loop and Amethyst 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 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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