Switchy

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Mac users wanting previews across Spaces and screens
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Browser tab switching
  No
• Facts checked
  24 Sep 2026

• 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

Our verdict on Switchy

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 also switch within the active app, exclude selected apps, and choose whether windows from other screens and Spaces appear. It is a focused fit for Mac users who want more context than a standard window list; it does not aim to manage browser tabs or provide a search-based switcher.

Window handling is the main distinction. Switchy can include minimized windows and restore one when selected, and it can cover windows across screens and Spaces. Shortcuts are customizable for global switching, app-specific switching, and reverse-key navigation. There is also an option to launch at login. These controls suit people who move among many open windows and want to tailor how the switcher behaves, while users who mainly need browser-tab navigation or text search should look elsewhere.

Switchy is distributed as open-source software under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0, and the repository describes building it with Xcode. It is free and open source, with no paid tier described. That makes it a straightforward option for solo Mac users comfortable choosing a desktop utility and, if needed, building from source. The macOS 14-or-newer requirement rules it out for older systems; people seeking a cross-platform tool or broader tab-management features should choose another option.

Your product? Our editors can test Switchy in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Switchy pricing

Switchy fact sheet

Alternatives to Switchy

• BetterCmdTabA flexible Command-Tab replacement for Mac users who want app and window control.9.3
• WWitchWitch adds searchable, configurable control over Mac apps, windows, tabs, and Spaces.9.0
• AltTabA free, open-source Mac window switcher with previews, search, and customizable shortcuts.8.8

See all Switchy alternatives →

Switchy vs the competition

• SSwitchy vs BetterCmdTab
• SWSwitchy vs Witch
• SSwitchy vs AltTab
• SSwitchy vs Alt-Tab Terminator
• SCSwitchy vs Contexts
• SSSwitchy vs Switcheroo

Compare Switchy with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

Switchy is listed in our App Switcher directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update