Head-to-head · Window Management Software
yabai vs komorebi
yabai leads on 0 checks, komorebi on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreyabai · 8.5/10
- Free planboth
- Most featureskomorebi · 3 of 4
yabai scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.5 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #11.
yabai is the better fit for mac users who want scriptable BSP tiling. komorebi is the better fit for windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling.
- yabai fits best
Mac users who want scriptable BSP tiling
- komorebi fits best
Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling
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Side by side
| Feature | yabai 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | komorebi 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #9 in Window Management Software | #11 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Mac users who want scriptable BSP tiling | Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $110/user/yr |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Integrations | 4 integrations | 3 integrations |
| Features yabai 2/4 · komorebi 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | macos | Windows, macOS |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | yabai extends macOS window management through a command-line interface, with automatic tiling based on binary space partitioning (BSP). It is aimed at Mac users who want direct control over windows, spaces, and displays, including people… Read the review → |
komorebi is a configuration-driven tiling window manager for Windows and macOS. It is suited to people who want control over window placement, workspaces, and monitor-specific arrangements rather than relying only on manual resizing.… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
yabai — where it wins
- Offers BSP, stack, and floating space layouts.
- Moves and controls windows across spaces and displays.
- Provides app rules, event-triggered shell actions, and JSON queries.
Where it doesn't
- Designed for macOS rather than cross-platform use.
- Relies on a command-line interface and configuration.
- Does not provide built-in AI features.
komorebi — where it wins
- Offers BSP, columns, rows, stacks, grid, and scrolling layouts
- Applies placement and floating rules based on app executable, title, or class
- Supports monitor-specific workspaces and command-line control
Where it doesn't
- Keyboard input requires external hotkey software
- Commercial use requires a recurring individual license
- Configuration-driven controls may not suit users seeking a graphical setup
- yabai8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, scriptable macOS utility for BSP tiling and flexible window control.
Visit yabaiFull verdict → - komorebi8.3/10 · Free plan
A configurable, command-line window manager with free personal use and paid commercial licenses.
Visit komorebiFull verdict →
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update