Rectangle vs Actual Window Manager

Rectangle7.7Visit Actual Window Manager5.6Visit

Higher score Rectangle #17 in Window Management Software 7.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit Rectangle

vs

Actual Window Manager #37 in Window Management Software 5.6/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Actual Tools

• Rectangle fits best

  Mac users needing straightforward window snapping

• Actual Window Manager fits best

  Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops

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Side by side

Feature	Rectangle 7.7/10 Visit ↗	Actual Window Manager 5.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.7	5.6
Ranking	#17 in Window Management Software	#37 in Window Management Software
Best for	Mac users needing straightforward window snapping	Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free	$59.95 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	60 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	Windows
Features Rectangle 0/4 · Actual Window Manager 4/4
Layout presets	—	✓ (best)
Application rules	—	✓ (best)
Window grouping	—	✓ (best)
Virtual desktop controls	—	✓ (best)
Specs
Platforms	macos	windows
Maximum displays	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	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.	Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching
Cons	The free Rectangle product has no application-specific rules. It does not provide window groups. Virtual desktops are not included.	No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time Windows only Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need
Our verdict	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 →	Actual Window Manager is Windows desktop-management software for people who want more control over application windows and multi-monitor workspaces. It can automatically position and resize windows, apply application-specific rules, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• 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.

• Actual Window Manager — where it wins

  • Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules
  • Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts
  • Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time
  • Windows only
  • Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need

• Rectangle7.7/10 · Free plan

  A free Mac window manager with keyboard shortcuts, edge snapping, and flexible tiling.

  Visit RectangleFull verdict →
• Actual Window Manager5.6/10 · 60-day trial

  A rule-driven Windows manager with virtual desktops, profiles, tiling, and a one-time price.

  Visit Actual ToolsFull verdict →