Head-to-head · App Switcher
Contexts vs Switchy
Contexts leads on 1 check, Switchy on 2, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreContexts · 8.5/10
- Free planonly Switchy
- Free trialonly Contexts
- Most featuresSwitchy · 3 of 5
Contexts scores higher on our rubric for app switcher: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
Switchy offers free plan; Contexts doesn't. Contexts offers search in switcher; Switchy doesn't. Switchy offers open source; Contexts doesn't.
Contexts is the better fit for mac users managing windows across Spaces and displays. Switchy is the better fit for mac users wanting previews across Spaces and screens.
- Contexts fits best
Mac users managing windows across Spaces and displays
- Switchy fits best
Mac users wanting previews across Spaces and screens
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Side by side
| Feature | Contexts 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Switchy 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #5 in App Switcher | #6 in App Switcher |
| Best for | Mac users managing windows across Spaces and displays | Mac users wanting previews across Spaces and screens |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $9.99one-time | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | 21 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | macOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Contexts 2/5 · Switchy 3/5 | ||
| Browser tab switching | Not checked yet | — |
| Window previews | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Search in switcher | ✓ (best) | — |
| Custom shortcuts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia | macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Contexts is a macOS utility for people who want to switch between individual application windows rather than only cycling through apps. Its Command-Tab-style switcher lists windows and supports searches by app name or window title. Users… Read the review → |
Switchy is an open-source window switcher for macOS 14 or newer, aimed at people who prefer keyboard navigation between individual app windows. Its global overlay sorts windows by most recently used and can show live previews. Users can… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Contexts — where it wins
- Searches individual windows by app name or window title
- Groups and filters windows by Space, with importance sorting
- Offers keyboard shortcuts, trackpad gestures and multi-display switching
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS
- Continued use requires a paid license after the 21-day trial
- Support is listed by email
Switchy — where it wins
- Shows live previews in a most-recently-used window overlay
- Can restore minimized windows and include windows across Spaces and screens
- Offers app-specific switching, exclusions, and customizable shortcuts
Where it doesn't
- Requires macOS 14 (Sonoma) or newer
- Does not switch between browser tabs
- Has no search-based switcher
- Contexts8.5/10 · From $9.99 · 21-day trial
Contexts makes individual windows searchable and switchable across Spaces and displays on macOS.
Visit ContextsFull verdict → - Switchy8.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source macOS switcher for previewing and navigating individual windows.
Visit SwitchyFull verdict →
Contexts vs Switchy: questions
Which is better for app switcher, Contexts or Switchy?
Contexts scores higher on our rubric for app switcher: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.
How do Contexts and Switchy compare?
Of the 6 checks we put side by side, Contexts leads on 1, Switchy on 2, and 3 are level. Free plan only on Switchy.
Do Contexts and Switchy have a free plan?
Contexts: No. Switchy: Yes.
More comparisons
- BetterCmdTab vs Contexts
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- Alt-Tab Terminator vs Contexts
- Alt-Tab Terminator vs Switchy
All app switcher comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update