TL;DR
Hammerspoon vs Keyboard Maestro: For most Mac users in 2026, Hammerspoon is the better choice for Mac automation because it is free while Keyboard Maestro charges for full use. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Keyboard Maestro instead if automation support is your priority.
Which is better: Hammerspoon or Keyboard Maestro?
Hammerspoon is the top pick for most Mac users looking at Mac automation — it is free and installs in one Homebrew command. Keyboard Maestro is the stronger choice if you prefer its Mac automation ecosystem. Both are worth trying.
Hammerspoon vs Keyboard Maestro
Which is the better Mac automation for Mac in 2026?
We compared Hammerspoon and Keyboard Maestro across 6 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Read our full breakdown below.
Hammerspoon
Powerful macOS automation tool using Lua scripting
Keyboard Maestro
Automation software
Our Verdict
For most Mac users in 2026, Hammerspoon is the better choice for Mac automation because it is free while Keyboard Maestro charges for full use. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Keyboard Maestro instead if automation support is your priority.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Hammerspoon | Keyboard Maestro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Replaces | Keyboard Maestro ($36) | — |
| Best for | automation, lua, scripting | automation, macros, keyboard |
| Install | brew install --cask hammerspoon | brew install --cask keyboard-maestro |
| Category | System Utilities | System Utilities |
Quick Install
brew install --cask hammerspoonbrew install --cask keyboard-maestroLearn More
Frequently Asked Questions
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