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Head-to-head · App Switcher

AltTab vs Witch

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score AltTab #2 in App Switcher 8.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit AltTab
Witch #3 in App Switcher 8.0/10 From $14 ✓ 0 of 5 features Visit Many Tricks

AltTab leads on 5 checks, Witch on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAltTab · 8.3/10
  • Free planonly AltTab
  • Most featuresAltTab · 4 of 5

AltTab scores higher on our rubric for app switcher: 8.3 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

AltTab offers free plan; Witch doesn't. AltTab offers window previews; Witch doesn't publish it. AltTab offers search in switcher; Witch doesn't publish it. AltTab offers custom shortcuts; Witch doesn't publish it. AltTab offers open source; Witch doesn't publish it.

AltTab is the better fit for mac users who want previews and fast search. Witch is the better fit for mac users needing app, window, and tab control.

  • AltTab fits best

    Mac users who want previews and fast search

  • Witch fits best

    Mac users needing app, window, and tab control

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Side by side

Feature AltTab 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Witch 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 8.0
Ranking #2 in App Switcher #3 in App Switcher
Best for Mac users who want previews and fast search Mac users needing app, window, and tab control
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price Not published $14one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS macOS
Support Email, Community Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features AltTab 4/5 · Witch 0/5
Browser tab switching — Not published
Window previews ✓ (best) Not published
Search in switcher ✓ (best) Not published
Custom shortcuts ✓ (best) Not published
Open source ✓ (best) Not published
Specs
Supported platforms macOS Not published
Our review
Pros
  • High-quality thumbnails and live previews of open windows
  • Search windows by typing and choose from multiple switcher styles
  • Configure up to nine independent keyboard shortcuts
  • Switch among apps, windows, and tabs with real-time search.
  • Configure multiple panels, sorting, orientation, and tab handling.
  • Access windows across Spaces and apply hide, minimize, zoom, or close actions.
Cons
  • Available only for macOS
  • Pro is needed for window search and additional appearance styles
  • No browser-tab switching
  • Available only for macOS.
  • Costs $14 up front; there is no free plan.
  • Focused on switching, not window placement management.
Our verdict

AltTab is a macOS utility for switching among open windows, aimed at people who want a visual alternative to cycling through app icons. Its switcher can show high-quality thumbnails and live previews, and users can choose thumbnail,…

Read the review →

Witch is a macOS desktop utility for switching between applications, windows, and tabs. It suits Mac users who want more control over what the built-in app switcher can present, especially people who move among many open windows or browser…

Read the review →
  1. AltTabApp Switcher 8.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. WitchApp Switcher 8.0From $14

Strengths and trade-offs

  • AltTab — where it wins

    • High-quality thumbnails and live previews of open windows
    • Search windows by typing and choose from multiple switcher styles
    • Configure up to nine independent keyboard shortcuts

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for macOS
    • Pro is needed for window search and additional appearance styles
    • No browser-tab switching
  • Witch — where it wins

    • Switch among apps, windows, and tabs with real-time search.
    • Configure multiple panels, sorting, orientation, and tab handling.
    • Access windows across Spaces and apply hide, minimize, zoom, or close actions.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for macOS.
    • Costs $14 up front; there is no free plan.
    • Focused on switching, not window placement management.

More comparisons

Guides on app switcher

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update