Head-to-head · Touch Bar Apps
BetterTouchTool vs 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
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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 |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
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
- BetterTouchTool7.5/10 · 45-day trial
A broad macOS customization and automation tool, though not centered on Touch Bar features.
Try BetterTouchToolFull verdict → - TouchRuler6.4/10 · Paid
A focused measuring utility for Mac, priced at $0.99 one-time.
Visit TouchRulerFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Pock vs BetterTouchTool
- Pock vs TouchRuler
- App Pier vs BetterTouchTool
- App Pier vs TouchRuler
- BetterTouchTool vs Haptic Touch Bar
- BetterTouchTool vs Touch Bar Visualizer
- BetterTouchTool vs Touch Bar Demo App
- BetterTouchTool vs mtm
All touch bar apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




