Head-to-head · Window Management Software
Amethyst vs Rectangle
Amethyst leads on 3 checks, Rectangle on 0, and 2 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
- Most featuresAmethyst · 3 of 4
Amethyst scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.4 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #10 and #17.
Amethyst offers layout presets; Rectangle doesn't. Amethyst offers application rules; Rectangle doesn't. Amethyst offers virtual desktop controls; Rectangle doesn't.
Amethyst is the better fit for mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts. Rectangle is the better fit for mac users needing straightforward window snapping.
- Amethyst fits best
Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts
- Rectangle fits best
Mac users needing straightforward window snapping
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Side by side
| Feature | Amethyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | Rectangle 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #10 in Window Management Software | #17 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts | Mac users needing straightforward window snapping |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | macOS |
| Features Amethyst 3/4 · Rectangle 0/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ (best) | — |
| Application rules | ✓ (best) | — |
| Window grouping | — | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | macos | macos |
| 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 → |
Rectangle is a free, open-source window management application for macOS. It is aimed at Mac users who want to arrange windows with keyboard shortcuts or by dragging them to screen edges and corners, rather than relying only on manual… 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
Rectangle — where it wins
- Snap windows into half, quarter, third, fourth, or sixth layouts.
- Move windows between displays and tile them in rows or columns.
- Customize keyboard shortcuts and import or export configuration.
Where it doesn't
- The free Rectangle product has no application-specific rules.
- It does not provide window groups.
- Virtual desktops are not included.
- Amethyst8.4/10 · Free plan
Automatic macOS tiling with configurable layouts, app rules, and keyboard shortcuts.
Visit AmethystFull verdict → - Rectangle7.7/10 · Free plan
A free Mac window manager with keyboard shortcuts, edge snapping, and flexible tiling.
Visit RectangleFull verdict →
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update