Amethyst vs Actual Window Manager

AAmethyst8.4Visit Actual Window Manager5.6Visit

Higher score A Amethyst #10 in Window Management Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Amethyst

vs

Actual Window Manager #37 in Window Management Software 5.6/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Actual Tools

• Amethyst fits best

  Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts

• Actual Window Manager fits best

  Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops

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Side by side

Feature	AAmethyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗	Actual Window Manager 5.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.4	5.6
Ranking	#10 in Window Management Software	#37 in Window Management Software
Best for	Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts	Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	$59.95 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	60 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	Windows
Features Amethyst 3/4 · Actual Window Manager 4/4
Layout presets	✓	✓
Application rules	✓	✓
Window grouping	—	✓ (best)
Virtual desktop controls	✓	✓
Specs
Platforms	macos	windows
Maximum displays	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Built-in Tall, Wide, Fullscreen, Column, and BSP layouts App rules can assign applications to float or tile Move windows across screens and Spaces; customize layouts with JavaScript	Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching
Cons	Available only for macOS 10.15 or later Configuration through YAML or JavaScript may require extra effort No window groups for organizing related windows	No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time Windows only Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need
Our verdict	Amethyst automatically arranges application windows on macOS, making it a fit for people who want tiled layouts rather than manually positioning each window. Its free, open-source distribution includes built-in layouts such as Tall, Wide,… Read the review →	Actual Window Manager is Windows desktop-management software for people who want more control over application windows and multi-monitor workspaces. It can automatically position and resize windows, apply application-specific rules, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Amethyst — where it wins

  • Built-in Tall, Wide, Fullscreen, Column, and BSP layouts
  • App rules can assign applications to float or tile
  • Move windows across screens and Spaces; customize layouts with JavaScript

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only for macOS 10.15 or later
  • Configuration through YAML or JavaScript may require extra effort
  • No window groups for organizing related windows

• Actual Window Manager — where it wins

  • Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules
  • Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts
  • Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time
  • Windows only
  • Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need

• AAmethyst8.4/10 · Free plan

  Automatic macOS tiling with configurable layouts, app rules, and keyboard shortcuts.

  Visit AmethystFull verdict →
• Actual Window Manager5.6/10 · 60-day trial

  A rule-driven Windows manager with virtual desktops, profiles, tiling, and a one-time price.

  Visit Actual ToolsFull verdict →