Rectangle vs Magnet: which window snapping app to use on a Mac

For most people, Rectangle does everything Magnet does, plus more sizes, for free. Magnet suits you if you want an App Store purchase with automatic updates through the store and a smaller set of choices.

What is the difference between Rectangle and Magnet?

Is Rectangle as good as Magnet?

For snapping, yes. It covers every size Magnet has and adds sixths, eighths and ninths, which help on a large or ultrawide display. It can also lay out every open window as a grid of rows or columns with one shortcut.

Why would anyone pay for Magnet?

It is on the Mac App Store, so it installs and updates like any store app, under a licence you buy once. It also places windows from the menu bar and handles vertical screens and up to six external displays.

What is Rectangle Pro?

A separate paid app from the maker of Rectangle. It adds custom sizes and snap areas, opening a whole set of apps into place with one shortcut, stashing windows at a screen edge, pinning and iCloud sync.

Can Rectangle or Magnet move windows between Spaces?

Rectangle's own page says it cannot, because macOS has no public way to do it. Magnet's pages do not mention Spaces. To move a window to another desktop yourself, see move a window to another desktop.

Do I need either of them?

Maybe not. Since macOS 15, a Mac snaps halves and quarters by itself: drag to an edge or press fn ⌃ and an arrow. It has no thirds, which is the most common reason to add one of these. See how to tile windows on a Mac.

Each against ClutterFreeMac: vs Rectangle, vs Magnet, vs Rectangle Pro.

Facts read from Rectangle's project page and releases, rectangleapp.com, Magnet's website and its Mac App Store listing on 4 November 2026.