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Microsoft PowerToys alternatives · Utilities

Alternatives to Microsoft PowerToys with a one-time purchase

The Microsoft PowerToys listing shows no one-time purchase. 44 of the 93 other desktop utilities in this directory can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Microsoft PowerToys is free to use. 16 of them are free or have a free plan.

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

The 12 closest to Microsoft PowerToys

  1. DisplayFusion

    Multi-monitor taskbars, wallpaper and window control for Windows

    • DisplayFusion starts at $34 one-time purchase per machine (Pro Standard, lifetime license). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • DisplayFusion can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
    • DisplayFusion also covers display control.
    DisplayFusion vs Microsoft PowerToysDisplayFusion pricing and details

  2. Fences

    Windows desktop organizer that groups icons into shaded areas

    • Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Fences can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
    Fences vs Microsoft PowerToysFences pricing and details

  3. Listary

    File search and app launcher for Windows with Quick Switch

    • Listary starts at $19.95 one-time payment (Listary Pro). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Listary can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
    • Microsoft PowerToys also covers window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
    Listary vs Microsoft PowerToysListary pricing and details

  4. Synergy

    Share one keyboard and mouse across Windows, Mac and Linux PCs

    • Synergy starts at $15 one-time payment (Synergy 3 Lite, personal use). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Synergy does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Synergy lists macOS and Linux apps.
    • Synergy can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    Synergy vs Microsoft PowerToysSynergy pricing and details

  5. TextSniper

    Mac menu bar tool that copies text from any part of the screen

    • TextSniper starts at $7.99 one-time purchase (license for 1 Mac). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. TextSniper does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only TextSniper lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    TextSniper vs Microsoft PowerToysTextSniper pricing and details

  6. BetterTouchTool

    Mac input customization: gestures, shortcuts and automation

    • BetterTouchTool starts at $15 one-time purchase (Standard License, 2 years of updates). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. BetterTouchTool does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only BetterTouchTool lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    BetterTouchTool pricing and details

  7. LaunchBar

    Keyboard launcher for Mac with clipboard history and actions

    • LaunchBar starts at 35 € one-time purchase (Single License). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Only LaunchBar lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    • LaunchBar can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    LaunchBar pricing and details

  8. AltTab

    Windows-style window switcher for macOS, free and open source

    • AltTab starts at $9.99 one-time purchase (AltTab Pro). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Only AltTab lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    • AltTab can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    AltTab pricing and details

  9. Alfred

    Mac launcher with hotkeys, snippets and custom workflows

    • Alfred starts at £34 one-time purchase (Powerpack Single License). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Only Alfred lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    • Alfred can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    Alfred pricing and details

  10. 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. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Mac Mouse Fix does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Mac Mouse Fix lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    Mac Mouse Fix pricing and details

  11. Paste

    Clipboard manager for Mac, iPhone and iPad with pinboards

    • Paste starts at $2.49 / month, billed annually ($29.99). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Paste does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Paste lists macOS and iOS apps.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    Paste pricing and details

  12. Bartender

    Menu bar manager for macOS that hides and organizes items

    • Bartender starts at $19.99 / year (Bartender Pro) or $24.99 one-time (Bartender 7). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
    • Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Bartender does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Bartender lists a macOS app.
    • Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
    Bartender pricing and details

32 more that can be bought with a one-time purchase

All 44 in one table

Common questions

Is there an alternative to Microsoft PowerToys that you buy once?

Yes. DisplayFusion, Fences, Listary, Synergy, TextSniper, BetterTouchTool, LaunchBar, AltTab and 36 more can be bought with a one-time purchase.

Can you buy Microsoft PowerToys once instead of subscribing?

The Microsoft PowerToys listing shows no one-time purchase. The listing was checked on Oct 5, 2026 against the pages it cites.

Which of these desktop utilities are free?

DisplayFusion, Listary, LaunchBar, AltTab, Alfred, PhraseExpress, CopyClip, Dropzone and 8 more are free or have a free plan.

When was this checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 4, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices and plans without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

This page is built from the listings. A tool is here because its listing says so, and the order is how close each is to Microsoft PowerToys: the alternatives its listing names first, then the tools that share the most features with it.