Contexts review
Contexts makes individual windows searchable and switchable across Spaces and displays on macOS.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
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 can also switch through an auto-hiding sidebar or trackpad gestures, and manage a selected app or window by closing, quitting, minimizing or hiding it. It is aimed at Mac users whose work involves multiple windows, Spaces or displays; it is not a fit for people seeking a cross-platform switcher.
The window-navigation options are the main reason to consider Contexts. Search and filters can narrow the switcher by app name, title or Space, while sorting by importance helps organize windows within those Spaces. Configurable keyboard shortcuts and multiple switcher configurations provide ways to adapt switching behavior, and Fast Search can be triggered with a chosen modifier key. The sidebar groups windows by Space and hides when not needed. Trackpad gesture switching and support for showing switcher windows across multiple displays add alternatives to keyboard navigation. This breadth suits users who want to move between windows using different methods; users looking only for basic app cycling may not need those controls.
Contexts offers a 21-day evaluation, followed by a $9.99 one-time license. There is no free plan, so continued use is a purchase decision rather than a recurring subscription according to the listed price. The vendor lists macOS Ventura, Sonoma and Sequoia support, with email as the support channel. Choose Contexts if searchable individual-window switching, Space organization and display support address a regular workflow on a supported Mac. Choose another option if you need a Windows or Linux version, or if you want to keep using a free app-switching tool after an evaluation period.
Questions about Contexts
Is there a free trial of Contexts? Yes: a 21-day free trial.
What does Contexts run on? macOS. It runs as a desktop app.
Who is Contexts built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
Contexts pros and cons
- 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
Contexts fact sheet, pricing and score →
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