Best TouchRuler Alternatives in 2026
The top TouchRuler alternatives are Pock, App Pier and BetterTouchTool: 7 touch bar apps our editors would look at instead of TouchRuler, in our ranking order.
TouchRuler: A focused measuring utility for Mac, priced at $0.99 one-time. Where it falls short: touch bar ruler works only on compatible MacBook pro models.
Switching from TouchRuler? For most touch bar apps buyers the best TouchRuler alternative is Pock, built for mac users who want a free, configurable Touch Bar hub.
Why People Look for a TouchRuler Alternative
- Touch Bar ruler works only on compatible MacBook Pro models
- Focused on measurement rather than Touch Bar controls or customization
- Costs $0.99 one-time, with no free plan
- No free plan — 4 of the alternatives below have it
- No custom layouts — 1 of the alternatives below has it
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallPock8.4
Mac users who want a free, configurable Touch Bar hub
Visit Pock - Best free optionPock8.4
Has a free plan (TouchRuler has none)
Visit Pock - Best for custom layoutsPock8.4
Custom layouts (TouchRuler: no)
Visit Pock
All 7 TouchRuler Alternatives, Ranked
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
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Best forMac users who want a free, configurable Touch Bar hub
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Free plan
- Custom layouts
- App launching
Pock brings Dock, media, system controls, and widgets to the Touch Bar at no cost.
- Custom layouts
- Media controls
- System controls
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Pock -
Best forMac users focused on launching and switching apps
- Better than TouchRuler:
- App launching
- Editor score 7.8 vs 6.4
A focused launcher for finding, pinning, and switching Mac apps, with a one-time $2.99 price.
- App launching
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit App Pier -
Best forMac users seeking broad input and workflow customization
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 6.4
A broad macOS customization and automation tool, though not centered on Touch Bar features.
7.5/10★★★★☆Try BetterTouchTool -
Best forMacBook Pro users who want haptic Touch Bar feedback
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Editor score 7.2 vs 6.4
A focused macOS utility for configurable haptic feedback on Touch Bar controls.
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Bopsoft -
Best forUsers who want an audio visualizer on the Touch Bar
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Free plan
- Editor score 6.7 vs 6.4
A focused, free visualizer for showing live audio frequencies on the Touch Bar.
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit project -
Best forDevelopers exploring a minimal Touch Bar demo
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Free plan
A free, open-source Touch Bar demo for developers exploring a minimal example.
6.0/10★★★☆☆View on GitHub -
Best forTerminal users seeking split virtual terminals
- Better than TouchRuler:
- Free plan
A focused, free terminal multiplexer—not a Touch Bar utility.
5.5/10★★★☆☆Visit mtm
TouchRuler Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to TouchRuler?
Pock: #1 in our Touch Bar Apps ranking, with an editor score of 8.4 out of 10. Pock brings Dock, media, system controls, and widgets to the Touch Bar at no cost.
Is there a free alternative to TouchRuler?
Yes. Pock, Touch Bar Visualizer, Touch Bar Demo App and mtm have a free plan or a free tier.
Why do people look for TouchRuler alternatives?
Touch Bar ruler works only on compatible MacBook Pro models; Focused on measurement rather than Touch Bar controls or customization; Costs $0.99 one-time, with no free plan.
How do I switch from TouchRuler?
Export your data from TouchRuler (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel TouchRuler.
How to Switch from TouchRuler
- Export your data from TouchRuler (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel TouchRuler.
TouchRuler vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | App launching | Media controls | System controls | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | TouchRuler | No | $0.99 one-time | No | No | No | 6.4 |
| 1 | Pock | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 |
| 2 | App Pier | No | $2.99 one-time | Yes | No | No | 7.8 |
| 3 | BetterTouchTool | No | $15 one-time | 7.5 | |||
| 4 | Haptic Touch Bar | No | $4.99 one-time | 7.2 | |||
| 5 | Touch Bar Visualizer | Yes | Free | No | No | No | 6.7 |
| 6 | Touch Bar Demo App | Yes | Free | 6.0 | |||
| 7 | mtm | Yes | Free | 5.5 |
Head-to-Head
- TouchRuler vs Pock
- TouchRuler vs App Pier
- TouchRuler vs BetterTouchTool
- TouchRuler vs Haptic Touch Bar
- TouchRuler vs Touch Bar Visualizer
- TouchRuler vs Touch Bar Demo App
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update