Head-to-head · Window Management Software
Amethyst vs bug.n
Amethyst leads on 0 checks, bug.n on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreAmethyst · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
Amethyst scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.4 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #10 and #20.
Amethyst is the better fit for mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts. bug.n is the better fit for windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions.
- Amethyst fits best
Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts
- bug.n fits best
Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions
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Side by side
| Feature | Amethyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | bug.n 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #10 in Window Management Software | #20 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts | Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | Windows |
| Integrations | 1 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Features Amethyst 3/4 · bug.n 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | — | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | macos | windows |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
bug.n is an open-source tiling window manager add-on for the Windows Explorer shell. It automatically resizes and positions windows, with tile, monocle, and floating modes. Its combination of configurable layouts, tagged views for virtual… 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
bug.n — where it wins
- Switch between tile, monocle, and floating layouts.
- Manage windows across virtual desktops and multiple monitors.
- Save monitor, view, layout, and window state between sessions.
Where it doesn't
- Stable v9 is no longer actively maintained.
- Runs on Windows only.
- Window groups are not supported.
- Amethyst8.4/10 · Free plan
Automatic macOS tiling with configurable layouts, app rules, and keyboard shortcuts.
Visit AmethystFull verdict → - bug.n7.4/10 · Free plan
Free window tiling with customizable layouts, app rules, and saved sessions.
Visit bug.nFull verdict →
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update