Free Alternative to Magnet

Rectangle is the go-to free replacement for Magnet, offering the same keyboard shortcuts and drag-to-snap functionality with even more features. It's open-source, actively maintained, and provides more arrangement options than Magnet. Developed by Ryan Hanson as a successor to the discontinued Spectacle app, Rectangle has become the de facto standard for free window management on macOS with over 25,000 stars on GitHub. The free version covers everything most users need; Rectangle Pro ($9.99) adds advanced features like custom shortcuts, app-specific layouts, window throwing gestures, and multi-window automation for power users who demand pixel-perfect control.

Amethyst takes a fundamentally different approach: windows automatically arrange themselves in optimal layouts without manual positioning. Inspired by the Linux xmonad tiling manager, it's perfect for developers and power users who want their windows organized automatically. Choose from multiple layouts including Tall, Wide, Fullscreen, Column, Row, and Binary Space Partitioning configurations. Once configured, Amethyst runs invisibly in the background, instantly organizing new windows as you open them and reflowing layouts as you close windows, creating a distraction-free workspace that maximizes screen real estate automatically.

macOS Sequoia (15.0+) finally includes native window tiling after years of users requesting this feature. Drag windows to screen edges for automatic snapping, use the green button menu for quick layouts, or use keyboard shortcuts combining Fn (Globe) + Control + Arrow keys. It's simpler than third-party tools but covers basic needs without installing anything.

While it lacks advanced features like thirds or sixths layouts, it represents Apple's acknowledgment that window management should be a core OS feature. The implementation is clean, fast, and integrates seamlessly with Mission Control and Stage Manager.

While not a window manager per se, AltTab solves a related pain point: switching between individual windows instead of just apps. It brings Windows-style Alt+Tab behavior to macOS, showing thumbnails of all open windows across all applications. Combined with macOS native tiling or Rectangle, it creates an excellent free window management setup.

The latest version (8.3.0, released January 2026) includes support for macOS Sequoia and improved performance on Apple Silicon. AltTab is particularly valuable for users managing many windows across multiple virtual desktops or external displays.

yabai is the most powerful tiling window manager for macOS, using a binary space partitioning algorithm to automatically organize windows with incredible precision. It goes far beyond basic window management, providing complete control over spaces, displays, and window behavior through a command-line interface. However, this power comes with complexity: yabai requires partially disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) for full functionality, extensive configuration via dotfiles, and pairs with skhd (Simple Hotkey Daemon) for keyboard shortcuts. It's designed for users who want Linux i3wm or dwm-level control on macOS and are comfortable working with configuration files and terminal commands.

Hammerspoon is a powerful automation tool that bridges macOS with a Lua scripting engine, allowing you to create custom window management solutions and much more. Unlike dedicated window managers, Hammerspoon is a framework—you write Lua scripts to define exactly how your windows should behave. This provides unlimited flexibility: create custom keyboard shortcuts, automate complex multi-window layouts, integrate with external APIs, and build workflows that combine window management with other macOS automation. The community shares extensive configuration examples, making it easier to get started, but be prepared to learn Lua basics and spend time crafting your ideal setup.

Loop offers a unique approach to window management through a beautiful radial menu that appears when you hold a trigger key. Instead of memorizing dozens of keyboard shortcuts, you simply hold the trigger and select your desired window position from an intuitive circular interface. It combines the speed of keyboard shortcuts with visual feedback that makes window management feel natural.

Loop supports standard layouts (halves, quarters, thirds) and custom positions, with a clean, modern design that feels native to macOS. While it lacks the power-user features of Rectangle Pro or the automation capabilities of Hammerspoon, its elegant simplicity makes it perfect for users who want efficiency without complexity.

Tiles is a no-frills window manager that does exactly what Magnet does, but for free. It provides drag-to-snap functionality and keyboard shortcuts for common window arrangements without unnecessary complexity. Tiles doesn't try to be the most feature-rich or the most customizable—it simply handles the essential task of organizing windows into halves, quarters, and fullscreen layouts efficiently.

For users who find Rectangle overwhelming or just want the absolute basics without any learning curve, Tiles delivers a clean, simple experience. It's particularly appealing to users who rarely need advanced features and just want reliable window snapping that works out of the box.