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The AltTab Insider’s Guide

Everything we know about AltTab in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.

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ToolGPAOctober 2026

AltTab

The Insider’s Guide

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

Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from AltTab’s own pages.

Made by AltTab · checked Oct 6, 2026 · toolgpa.com

2.6GPA

Contents

  1. 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
  2. 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
  3. 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
  4. 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
  5. 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
  6. 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
  7. 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

ToolGPA put this guide together from AltTab’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on AltTab’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 6, 2026.

Part 01 · Overview

Welcome

What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first

2.6

GPA, above 36 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade

AltTab is a window switcher for macOS that works like Alt-Tab on Windows: it lists every window, not just every app, with thumbnails and a full-size preview of the one selected. The core switcher is free and open source under GPL-3.0, with no account, tracking or telemetry. AltTab Pro, a one-time purchase, adds window search, extra switcher styles, auto-sizing and more shortcuts.

To get you started, here are 9 things to know about AltTab, taken from its own pages and our grades.

No rating is on record, but there's nothing to build: it behaves like Alt-Tab on Windows from the moment it's installed.
From our grade for ease of use
  1. 1

    Best for Windows-style window switching on a Mac

    It's macOS only, needs Accessibility and Screen Recording permission, and thumbnails can distort under Stage Manager.

  2. 2

    What it costs

    Paid plans start at $9.99 one-time purchase (AltTab Pro).

  3. 3

    There is a free plan

    AltTab (free): core window switching with thumbnails, preview, window controls, trackpad gestures and custom shortcuts, at no cost for personal or business use.

  4. 4

    It runs on macOS

    macOS.

  5. 5

    Every window, not every app

    The switcher lists individual windows, including minimized and hidden ones and those on other Spaces, each with a badge saying where it is.

  6. 6

    Full-size preview

    The selected window is shown at full size on top of everything else, so you can confirm it is the right one before switching.

  7. 7

    Window controls in the switcher

    Hovering a thumbnail lets you close the window, minimize it or send it full screen without switching to it first.

  8. 8

    A 2.6 GPA, above 36 of 94

    That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.

  9. 9

    Keep it

    To replace AltTab you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.

AltTab at a glance

Pricing
Free plan, from $9.99 one-time purchase (AltTab Pro)
Free plan
Yes
Free trial
14-day trial of all Pro features for new users; free features keep working afterwards
Runs on
macOS
Made by
AltTab, since 2018
Category
Desktop Utilities
Our grade
2.6 GPA, good

The report card

Best for Windows-style window switching on a Mac

AltTab is a Mac window switcher that works like Alt-Tab on Windows, listing every window rather than every app, with thumbnails and a full-size preview. The core is free and open source; search and the extra styles need Pro at $9.99 once, which covers the current major version only. It's macOS only, needs Accessibility and Screen Recording permission, and thumbnails can distort under Stage Manager.

ToolGPA report cardAltTabGraded Oct 10, 2026
SubjectGradeComment
Value for moneyAPro is $9.99 once, Pro Lifetime $24.99 once with every future update, and a license covers 3 devices. Pay-once utilities here sit around $15, so $9.99 is under the going rate and well under a year of any subscription. The $9.99 license only covers the current major version, mind.
Free plan and trialBThe core switcher is free for personal or business use: thumbnails, preview, window controls, trackpad gestures and shortcuts, with no account. Most people could stay there for good. Search, the other styles and more than two shortcuts stop after the 14-day Pro trial.
FeaturesCSwitching windows is a small job and AltTab covers it: every window including minimized, hidden and other Spaces, a full-size preview, close and minimize from the thumbnail, a three-finger swipe. Search by title and the extra styles are Pro, and thumbnails can distort under Stage Manager.
Ease of useBNo rating is on record, but there's nothing to build: it behaves like Alt-Tab on Windows from the moment it's installed. You do have to grant Accessibility permission, plus Screen Recording before thumbnails show up.
Platforms and integrationsDMac only, on macOS 12 and later, so one operating system. No integrations are listed, though a command line lets the terminal or your scripts list and focus windows.
Grade point averageGood, out of 4.02.6

An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.

Who AltTab is for

  • Fits if you've moved from Windows and miss switching between individual windows
  • Works for people who keep many windows of the same app open

Who it is not for

  • Skip it if you're not on a Mac, as it runs on macOS 12 and later only
  • Tight if you're staying free: search, the App Icons and Titles styles and more than two shortcuts stop after the 14-day trial
  • Watch out: the $9.99 license covers the current major version only; future major updates need Pro Lifetime at $24.99
  • Not for you if you live in Stage Manager, since thumbnails can look distorted there
  • Watch out: it needs Accessibility permission, plus Screen Recording before thumbnails show

Good to know

Good for

  • People moving from Windows who miss switching between individual windows
  • Mac users who keep many windows of the same app open
  • Anyone who wants a free, open-source switcher with optional paid extras

Worth knowing

  • macOS only; it runs on macOS 12 and later.
  • Search, the App Icons and Titles styles, auto-sizing and more than two keyboard shortcuts require Pro once the 14-day trial ends.
  • The $9.99 Pro license covers updates for the current major version only; future major updates need Pro Lifetime.
  • It needs Accessibility permission, plus Screen Recording to show thumbnails, and thumbnails can look distorted under Stage Manager.

Part 02 · Pricing

What it costs

Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved

$9.99 one-time

To start. There is a free plan too

AltTab has a free plan. Paid plans start at $9.99 one-time purchase (AltTab Pro).

  • AltTab (free)

    $0

    Window switching with thumbnails, live preview, Dark Mode, window controls and trackpad gestures. No account or registration needed.

  • Pro

    $9.99

    one-time purchase, updates for the current major version

    Adds search, the App Icons and Titles styles, an auto-sizing switcher and up to 9 keyboard shortcuts. 3 devices per license.

  • Pro Lifetime

    $24.99

    one-time purchase, every future update

    Everything in Pro plus all future major updates. 3 devices per license.

The free plan

AltTab (free): core window switching with thumbnails, preview, window controls, trackpad gestures and custom shortcuts, at no cost for personal or business use.

Trying it first

14-day trial of all Pro features for new users; free features keep working afterwards

Read from alt-tab.app on Oct 6, 2026.

Ways to pay less

  • Lifetime license

    Pro Lifetime with every future update

    The $24.99 Pro Lifetime license is a one-time purchase that includes every future major update, where the $9.99 Pro license covers the current major version.

    Stated on alt-tab.app

Part 03 · Features

What it does

Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it

1

Place it runs: macOS

Windows-style window switcher for macOS, free and open source. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, one-time purchase, keyboard-first, window management.

Search by title and the extra styles are Pro, and thumbnails can distort under Stage Manager.
From our grade for features
Every window, not every app
The switcher lists individual windows, including minimized and hidden ones and those on other Spaces, each with a badge saying where it is.
Full-size preview
The selected window is shown at full size on top of everything else, so you can confirm it is the right one before switching.
Window controls in the switcher
Hovering a thumbnail lets you close the window, minimize it or send it full screen without switching to it first.
Custom shortcuts and filters
Almost any key combination can open the switcher, filtered by app, Space or screen. Pro allows up to 9 shortcuts, each with its own keys and filters.
Search and styles (Pro)
Pro finds a window by typing part of its title or app name, switches between thumbnails, app icons or a compact list of titles, and resizes previews to fit.
Trackpad gestures and command line
A three-finger swipe switches windows without the keyboard, and a command line lists and focuses windows from the terminal or scripts.

Where it runs

  • macOS

What it works with

Its own pages name no integrations.

AltTab is made by AltTab, and has been around since 2018.

Part 04 · Standing

Where it stands

Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own

36/94

Other desktop utilities it is graded above

AltTab's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 36 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 20.

It stands best on value for money (A, above 24 of 94) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).

Each grade against the category

Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. AltTab’s own letter is outlined.

  • AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
  • BFree plan and trialAbove 37 of 94
  • CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
  • BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
  • DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 94

Keep it, or make your own?

Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.

Keep it

To replace AltTab you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.

It costs $9.99, paid once. AltTab is open source, so there is a third way: take its code and run it yourself.

What you could not

  • Control over other apps' windows.
  • A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.

What this rests on. AltTab’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.

Part 05 · Alternatives

The alternatives

The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side

DockDoor, Raycast and BetterTouchTool

The 3 tools AltTab is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.

  • 2.8GPA

    DockDoor

    Free

    Free Dock window previews and Alt-Tab switcher for macOS.

    • AltTab can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    AltTab and DockDoor compared in full
  • 2.8GPA

    Raycast

    Free plan · from $96/yr

    Keyboard launcher with extensions, clipboard history and AI.

    • Only Raycast lists Windows and iOS apps.
    • Only Raycast lists a browser extension.
    • AltTab is open source, according to its own site.
    AltTab and Raycast compared in full
  • 2.6GPA

    BetterTouchTool

    Free trial · from $15 one-time

    Mac input customization: gestures, shortcuts and automation.

    • AltTab has a free plan. BetterTouchTool does not, though it has a free trial.
    • AltTab is open source, according to its own site.
    • BetterTouchTool also covers workflow automation, launcher, clipboard manager and keyboard and mouse remapping.
    AltTab and BetterTouchTool compared in full

Part 06 · Questions

Quick answers

The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two

13

Questions, each answered in a line or two

The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.

Is AltTab free?

AltTab has a free plan. AltTab (free): core window switching with thumbnails, preview, window controls, trackpad gestures and custom shortcuts, at no cost for personal or business use.

How much does AltTab cost?

AltTab lists 3 plans. AltTab (free): $0.

What platforms does AltTab work on?

AltTab is available on macOS.

Does AltTab offer any discounts?

AltTab publicly lists the following: Pro Lifetime with every future update.

Does AltTab have an Android app?

No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. AltTab is listed for macOS.

Does AltTab have an iPhone app?

No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. AltTab is listed for macOS.

Is AltTab open source?

Yes. AltTab is open source, according to its own site.

Does AltTab work offline?

Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.

Does AltTab have a free trial?

Yes. 14-day trial of all Pro features for new users; free features keep working afterwards.

Who makes AltTab?

AltTab is made by a company of the same name. It dates from 2018.

What are the alternatives to AltTab?

The closest alternatives to AltTab in our directory are DockDoor, Raycast and BetterTouchTool.

How does AltTab compare with other desktop utilities?

AltTab's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 36 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 20.

Could I make my own version of AltTab?

To replace AltTab you would be making control over other apps' windows.

Where this guide comes from

The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from AltTab’s own pages on Oct 6, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from AltTab's own pages on 6 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-09-17.

Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by AltTab. Prices change, so check alt-tab.app before you buy.

Part 07 · About

About ToolGPA

Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it

3,189

Tools graded, in 94 categories

ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.

Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.

  • 3,189

    tools graded

  • 94

    categories

  • 426

    price changes on record

  • 579

    apps priced in 12 countries

What else is on toolgpa.com

Scan for the live page

Prices and grades as they are today

Quoting this guide?

Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:

ToolGPA, "AltTab: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 6, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/alttab

Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?

Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/alttab/guide

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See our other guides

The best-graded desktop utilities after AltTab, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.

ToolGPA

Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.

Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›

Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what AltTab’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. AltTab is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by AltTab. Prices and plans change: check alt-tab.app before you buy.