Comparison overview

Compare the Mac window manager you use today.

Each page compares the day-to-day tradeoff that usually drives the switch: snapping precision, automatic tiling, window switching, search, previews, and whether your layout stays intact once the desktop gets crowded.

Workflow matrix

Workflow	Rectangle	Magnet	AeroSpace	yabai	AltTab	Tangrid
Snapping	Core Shortcuts and configurable snap areas.	Core Drag edges, shortcuts, and menu bar.	Core Keyboard-first tiling and resize flow.	Core BSP tiling with command-driven control.	Not a focus Built for switching first.	Core Snap inside a broader workflow.
Window switching	Separate Usually handled by macOS or another tool.	Separate Usually handled elsewhere.	Separate Usually paired with macOS or another tool.	Command-first Directional focus works without visual previews.	Core Built around switching to any window.	Built-in Part of the same product layer.
Search exact window	Out of scope Not part of the core snapping workflow.	Out of scope Not part of the main pitch.	Out of scope Not part of the core tiling model.	Scriptable Queries are available through the command line.	Not highlighted Official messaging centers switching and thumbnails.	Built-in Vertical search is designed for dense apps.
Preview-led navigation	Out of scope Placement is the main job.	Light Placement-first workflow.	Out of scope Not preview-led by design.	Out of scope Designed around commands rather than thumbnails.	Core Thumbnail browsing is the main interaction.	Core Switcher and Dock preview stay visual.
Layout cleanup as windows change	Manual Windows move when you invoke a snap action.	Manual Mostly one move at a time.	Core Automatic tiling keeps windows arranged.	Core BSP layouts react as managed windows change.	Separate Placement remains another tool's job.	Auto Flow Layouts can stay orderly as windows change.

Tool comparisons

Magnet

Drag-to-edge snapping

Best when a mouse-friendly snapping utility is enough.

Best for: Tidy placement with dragging or shortcuts.
Tangrid adds: Adds search, previews, switching, and Auto Flow.

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AeroSpace

Keyboard-first auto tiling

Best when deterministic tiling and config-driven control are the priority.

Best for: Advanced users who prefer workspaces, commands, and dotfiles.
Tangrid adds: Adds tabbed layout, native macOS Spaces, built-in switching, and a visual control layer.

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Rectangle

Free window snapping

Best when shortcuts and edge-based snap areas are all you need.

Best for: Fast, free movement and resizing with a focused tool.
Tangrid adds: Adds Auto Flow tiling, tabbed layouts, switching, search, and Dock previews.

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yabai

Scriptable BSP tiling

Best when commands, rules, signals, and custom automation are the point.

Best for: Power users building a keyboard- and script-driven environment.
Tangrid adds: Adds visual setup, Snap Assist, tabbed layouts, switching, search, and Dock previews.

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AltTab

Preview switching

Best when thumbnail switching and shortcuts are the whole job.

Best for: Jumping to any window with a visual switcher.
Tangrid adds: Adds vertical search, live position preview, gestures, and pointer centering.

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