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Head-to-head · Touch Bar Apps

BetterTouchTool vs TouchRuler

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score BetterTouchTool #3 in Touch Bar Apps 7.5/10 45-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 6 features Try BetterTouchTool
TouchRuler #6 in Touch Bar Apps 6.4/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit TouchRuler

BetterTouchTool leads on 0 checks, TouchRuler on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBetterTouchTool · 7.5/10
  • Free trialonly BetterTouchTool

BetterTouchTool scores higher on our rubric for touch bar apps: 7.5 against 6.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

BetterTouchTool is the better fit for mac users seeking broad input and workflow customization. TouchRuler is the better fit for users who need a small ruler on a Touch Bar Mac.

  • BetterTouchTool fits best

    Mac users seeking broad input and workflow customization

  • TouchRuler fits best

    Users who need a small ruler on a Touch Bar Mac

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Side by side

Feature BetterTouchTool 7.5/10 Visit ↗ TouchRuler 6.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.5 6.4
Ranking #3 in Touch Bar Apps #6 in Touch Bar Apps
Best for Mac users seeking broad input and workflow customization Users who need a small ruler on a Touch Bar Mac
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $15 one-time $0.99 one-time
Free plan — —
Free trial 45 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS macOS
Features BetterTouchTool 0/6 · TouchRuler 0/6
Custom layouts Not checked yet —
App launching Not checked yet —
Media controls Not checked yet —
System controls Not checked yet —
Custom shortcuts Not checked yet —
Profiles Not checked yet —
Our review
Pros
  • Customize Trackpad and Magic Mouse gestures, shortcuts, and mouse buttons
  • Chain actions and create global or per-app triggers
  • Connect Stream Deck and use multiple scripting interfaces
  • Includes a 20-centimetre on-screen ruler and 12-centimetre Touch Bar ruler
  • Click Pad captures measurements and copies them to the clipboard
  • Offers automatic or manual calibration, four themes, and transparency
Cons
  • Its feature set extends well beyond Touch Bar customization
  • The Standard License includes updates for only 2 years
  • Available for macOS only
  • Touch Bar ruler works only on compatible MacBook Pro models
  • Focused on measurement rather than Touch Bar controls or customization
  • Costs $0.99 one-time, with no free plan
Our verdict

BetterTouchTool is macOS software for customizing input devices and automating actions. It is aimed at Mac users who want to remap Trackpad and Magic Mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, or mouse buttons, and connect those triggers to…

Read the review →

For quick measurements against a Mac display or nearby objects, TouchRuler combines an on-screen ruler with a smaller ruler on compatible MacBook Pro Touch Bars. It also provides a Notification Center mini widget that can be dragged onto…

Read the review →
  1. BetterTouchToolTouch Bar Apps 7.545-day trial
  2. TouchRulerTouch Bar Apps 6.4Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • BetterTouchTool — where it wins

    • Customize Trackpad and Magic Mouse gestures, shortcuts, and mouse buttons
    • Chain actions and create global or per-app triggers
    • Connect Stream Deck and use multiple scripting interfaces

    Where it doesn't

    • Its feature set extends well beyond Touch Bar customization
    • The Standard License includes updates for only 2 years
    • Available for macOS only
  • TouchRuler — where it wins

    • Includes a 20-centimetre on-screen ruler and 12-centimetre Touch Bar ruler
    • Click Pad captures measurements and copies them to the clipboard
    • Offers automatic or manual calibration, four themes, and transparency

    Where it doesn't

    • Touch Bar ruler works only on compatible MacBook Pro models
    • Focused on measurement rather than Touch Bar controls or customization
    • Costs $0.99 one-time, with no free plan

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update