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AeroSpace vs Amethyst

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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AeroSpace
AeroSpaceTiling window manager for macOS
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Amethyst
AmethystFree, open-source tiling window manager for macOS inspired by xmonad.
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Overview
Description

AeroSpace is an i3-like tiling window manager for macOS, designed to provide a more efficient and organized way of managing windows. It allows users to easily arrange and resize windows, making it ideal for developers, designers, and anyone who wants to boost their productivity.

Amethyst is a free and open-source tiling window manager for macOS that automatically arranges open windows into layouts such as tall, wide, column, row, and binary space partitioning, similar to Linux tiling managers like xmonad. Windows are controlled entirely from the keyboard, with customizable modifier-key shortcuts for focusing, swapping, and resizing tiles. The project is distributed under the MIT license, installable via Homebrew or a direct download from GitHub releases, and supports multiple monitors and macOS Spaces. Configuration is handled through a YAML file, and advanced users can define custom layouts in JavaScript.

Pricing
Free
Free
Category
Window Management
Window Management
Best for
Developers and Designers
Developers and power users who want free, keyboard-driven window tiling on macOS
Specifications
deployment
Desktop App
Desktop App
open source
Yes
Yes
github stars
22,003
—
api available
No
No
support options
GitHub Issues, Documentation
GitHub issues, community wiki
primary language
Swift
—
key integrations
—
Homebrew
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Highly customizable
  • Fast and efficient
  • Open source
  • Seamless integration with macOS applications
  • Completely free and open source with no license fee.
  • Highly keyboard-driven, appealing to users coming from Linux tiling managers.
  • Active GitHub project with over 16,000 stars and regular releases.
  • Simple installation via Homebrew.
Cons
  • Limited documentation
  • Steep learning curve
  • Not suitable for users who prefer a traditional window management experience
  • Requires granting accessibility permissions and some manual setup to work smoothly.
  • No official GUI-based preferences panel comparable to paid alternatives.
  • Custom JavaScript layouts are still a beta feature with rougher edges.
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both Amethyst and AeroSpace are free, open‑source tiling window managers for macOS, but Amethyst offers a clearer feature set and YAML‑based configuration, while AeroSpace leans on broader customizability with a steeper learning curve.

Key differences

  • •Configuration: Amethyst uses plain‑text YAML (version‑controlled) and optional JavaScript layouts; AeroSpace relies on less‑documented custom settings.
  • •Feature clarity: Amethyst lists specific tiling modes (tall, wide, column, row, BSP) and a floating‑window toggle; AeroSpace’s features are described vaguely.
  • •Community size: AeroSpace has more GitHub stars (22,003) than Amethyst (16,000+), indicating a larger visible community.
  • •Documentation: AeroSpace is noted for limited documentation and a steep learning curve; Amethyst provides a community wiki and simpler setup via Homebrew.
  • •Integration: Amethyst explicitly integrates with Homebrew for installation; AeroSpace lists no specific package‑manager integration.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

Both are free and open source, so cost is identical.

Tie

Ease of use / learning curve

Amethyst installs via Homebrew and has a community wiki; AeroSpace is described as having limited documentation and a steep learning curve.

Amethyst

Features & depth

Amethyst lists concrete tiling modes, multi‑monitor support, and scripted JavaScript layouts; AeroSpace’s feature list is vague.

Amethyst

Integrations & ecosystem

Amethyst explicitly integrates with Homebrew; AeroSpace provides no specific integration details.

Amethyst

Support

Both rely on GitHub issues; AeroSpace adds documentation, but Amethyst has an active community wiki.

Tie

Security & privacy

Both are open source with no disclosed licensing fees; no additional security details provided.

Tie

Scalability / lock‑in

Both are desktop‑only apps with no API, so migration or lock‑in concerns are comparable.

Tie

Choose AeroSpace if…

Users who prioritize a larger community star count and are comfortable investing time to master a highly customizable but less documented tool.

Choose Amethyst if…

Developers/power users who want a well‑documented, YAML‑driven manager with explicit tiling modes and Homebrew install.

Common questions

Is there any cost to use either tool?

No. Both Amethyst and AeroSpace are free and open source.

Which manager is easier to set up on a new Mac?

Amethyst offers a simple Homebrew cask installation and a community wiki; AeroSpace lacks a comparable installer guide.

Can I script custom layouts?

Amethyst supports custom layouts via JavaScript (beta); AeroSpace does not specify scripting capabilities.