The Magnet Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Magnet 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.
Magnet
The Insider’s Guide
Window snapping for Mac by drag, shortcut or menu bar
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from Magnet’s own pages.
Made by BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé) · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Magnet’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Magnet’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 1 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
Magnet is a macOS window manager that snaps windows into tiles such as halves, thirds, quarters and full screen. Windows can be arranged by dragging them to screen edges and corners, with customizable keyboard shortcuts, or from a menu bar icon. It is sold only through the Mac App Store as a one-time purchase with no subscription and no in-app purchases.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Magnet, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating on record, but there's nothing to set up: drag a window to an edge and it snaps.
- 1
Best for simple window snapping on a Mac, paid once
You can't try it first: no free version or trial is mentioned.
- 2
What it costs
Paid plans start at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
- 3
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 4
Drag-to-snap trigger areas
Drag a window to a screen corner to snap it into a quarter, or to a side edge for a half. The top edge maximizes the window and the bottom edge creates thirds.
- 5
Keyboard shortcuts
Window commands can be run from keyboard shortcuts, which are optional and customizable.
- 6
Menu bar and green button menus
Commands are also available from a menu bar icon, which can be hidden, and from the menu on a window's green button.
- 7
A 2.0 GPA, above 1 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
To replace Magnet you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Magnet at a glance
- Pricing
- Paid, from $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store)
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé), since 2012
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for simple window snapping on a Mac, paid once
Magnet snaps Mac windows into halves, thirds and quarters when you drag them to a screen edge or press a shortcut, for $4.99 once on the Mac App Store. You can't try it first: no free version or trial is mentioned. It can't arrange windows across Spaces, can't resize non-standard windows, skips Adobe apps older than 2017, and is sold only through the Mac App Store for macOS 13 or later.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | $4.99 once on the US Mac App Store, with free updates, no subscription and no in-app purchases. Utilities here sit at $2.99 a month in the middle, so that's under two months' money for keeps, and Family Sharing is supported. |
| Free plan and trial | F | Nothing is free. The pages read for this listing mention no free version and no trial, so it's a paid download from the first click. |
| Features | C | Drag to a corner for a quarter, a side for a half, the top to maximize, the bottom for thirds, plus shortcuts, menu bar commands and up to six external displays. Window snapping, covered. Its own notes say it can't arrange across Spaces and can't resize non-standard windows. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but there's nothing to set up: drag a window to an edge and it snaps. The keyboard shortcuts are optional, and the commands also sit in the menu on a window's green button. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Mac only, on macOS 13 Ventura or later, and sold solely through the Mac App Store. Settings can sync through iCloud, which is the only tie-in listed. |
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 Magnet is for
- Fits if you arrange windows by dragging them to the edges of a Mac screen
- Works for desks with up to six external displays, including a vertical one
Who it is not for
- Not for you if you want to try before you buy, as no free version or trial is mentioned
- Skip it if you move windows between Spaces a lot, because it only arranges them within the active one
- Not for you if you run Adobe apps older than the 2017 versions, or need non-standard windows resized
- Skip it if you're on Windows, Linux or a Mac older than macOS 13 Ventura; it's sold only on the Mac App Store
Good to know
Good for
- Mac users who want simple window snapping for a small one-time price
- People who arrange windows by dragging them to screen edges
- Multi-monitor setups, including vertical displays
Worth knowing
- 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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$4.99 one-time
To start
Magnet is a paid product, starting at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
The pages read for this listing mention no free version and no trial, so it's a paid download from the first click.
Magnet
$4.99
one-time purchase (US Mac App Store price)
A perpetual license with free updates, no subscription and no in-app purchases. The listing supports Family Sharing.
Read from apps.apple.com on Oct 5, 2026.
What the app costs elsewhere
Each country’s App Store price for the app, against $4.99 in the United States, in dollars at the day’s rate. The four cheapest and the four dearest of 11.
| Country | Price there | In dollars | Against the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | ₱ 199.00 | $3.17 | 37% less |
| Australia | $4.99 | $3.48 | 30% less |
| Canada | $4.99 | $3.51 | 30% less |
| Brazil | R$ 19,90 | $3.98 | 20% less |
| Indonesia | Rp 99ribu | $5.54 | 11% more |
| Germany | 4,99 € | $5.59 | 12% more |
| South Africa | R99.00 | $5.99 | 20% more |
| United Kingdom | £4.99 | $6.60 | 32% more |
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
Window snapping for Mac by drag, shortcut or menu bar. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, window management, menu bar app.
Its own notes say it can't arrange across Spaces and can't resize non-standard windows.
- Drag-to-snap trigger areas
- Drag a window to a screen corner to snap it into a quarter, or to a side edge for a half. The top edge maximizes the window and the bottom edge creates thirds.
- Keyboard shortcuts
- Window commands can be run from keyboard shortcuts, which are optional and customizable.
- Menu bar and green button menus
- Commands are also available from a menu bar icon, which can be hidden, and from the menu on a window's green button.
- Custom commands
- Beyond the built-in set of commands, the App Store listing describes an unlimited number of custom commands and configurable layout properties.
- External and vertical displays
- Supports up to six external displays. On a vertical screen, thirds are created along the sides, with quarters and halves in the corners and on the bottom edge.
- iCloud sync
- Settings can optionally be synchronized through iCloud, according to the App Store listing.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
- iCloud
Magnet is made by BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé), and has been around since 2012.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
1/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
Magnet's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on value for money (A, above 24 of 94) and worst on free plan and trial (F, above 0).
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. Magnet’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- FFree plan and trialAbove 0 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 Magnet you would be making control over other apps' windows. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 88 of the 94 other desktop utilities grade higher. It costs $4.99, paid once.
What you could not
- Control over other apps' windows.
- A native app living in the menu bar.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Magnet’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
Rectangle, Moom, Loop, Swish and BetterTouchTool
The 5 tools Magnet is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Rectangle
Free
Free, open-source window snapping for macOS.
- Rectangle has a free plan. Magnet does not.
- Magnet can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Rectangle is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.2GPA
Moom
Free trial · from $15 one-time
- 2.8GPA
Loop
Free
Free, open-source macOS window manager with a radial menu.
- Loop has a free plan. Magnet does not.
- Magnet can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Loop is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Swish
Free trial · from $16 one-time
Trackpad-gesture window manager for macOS.
- Magnet also covers menu bar app.
- 2.6GPA
BetterTouchTool
Free trial · from $15 one-time
Mac input customization: gestures, shortcuts and automation.
- Magnet also covers menu bar app.
- BetterTouchTool also covers workflow automation, launcher, clipboard manager and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
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 Magnet free?
No. Magnet is a paid product, starting at $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store).
How much does Magnet cost?
Magnet lists one plan. Magnet: $4.99 one-time purchase (US Mac App Store price).
What platforms does Magnet work on?
Magnet is available on macOS.
Does Magnet have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Magnet is listed for macOS.
Does Magnet have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Magnet is listed for macOS.
Is Magnet open source?
Magnet is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
What does Magnet integrate with?
Magnet's listing names iCloud. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Magnet?
Magnet is made by BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé). It dates from 2012.
What are the alternatives to Magnet?
The closest alternatives to Magnet in our directory are Rectangle, Moom, Loop, Swish and BetterTouchTool.
How does Magnet compare with other desktop utilities?
Magnet's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 1 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 5.
Could I make my own version of Magnet?
To replace Magnet you would be making control over other apps' windows.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Magnet’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Magnet's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-07-04.
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 BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé). Prices change, so check magnet.crowdcafe.com 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
- Magnet, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/magnet
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
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, "Magnet: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/magnet
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/magnet/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after Magnet, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 95 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Ninite Insider's GuideInstalls and updates many Windows apps at once3.2 GPA
- 7-Zip Insider's GuideFree, open-source file archiver with the 7z format3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Magnet’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. Magnet is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by BOOTCODE A.S. (CrowdCafé). Prices and plans change: check magnet.crowdcafe.com before you buy.