Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool: Which one should you choose?

If you've been looking to clean up your Mac workspace using a window management tool, you’ve probably encountered the Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool discussion. Both apps are loved by many who like to organize their windows quickly.

I’ve used them both in my workflow. They each have strengths and a few weak spots, so the better choice really depends on how you like the space of the screen to be managed and how much customization you want.

Before we dig into the details, let’s take a moment to see what each app actually brings to the table:

Let’s compare!	Magnet	BetterSnapTool
Best for	Simple, fast window snapping for casual users	Advanced window management and customization for power users
Main strengths	Lightweight, intuitive UI, quick setup	Custom snap areas, modifier keys, window button controls
Key tools	Drag-to-snap, keyboard shortcuts, “thirds” layout	Custom layouts, advanced snap settings, saved window positions
Free trial	No free trial, one-time purchase ($4.99)	No free trial, one-time purchase ($1.99)
Ease of use	Very easy to use out of the box	More complex, but flexible once set up

Overview of Magnet: What does it offer?

Magnet is one of those apps that improve your day-to-day workflow. It keeps your Mac workspace tidy by letting you snap windows into position using either keyboard shortcuts or predefined zones. With just a few keystrokes or a quick drag, you can organize your screen into halves, thirds, or custom layouts with no fuss.

When I switch between a browser, a notes app, and a writing window, everything organizes without the usual dragging and resizing. It’s one of those small tools that saves more time than you expect.

While Magnet keeps things fairly simple, it doesn’t leave you without options. You still get a few customization features — snap zones adjustment or fine-tuning window sizes, to make the setup work just the way you like it.

Overall, it's a top-notch app for casual users and minimalists who want a simple, reliable, and intuitive way to quickly snap windows. There’s no fluff here, just efficient window tiling in a lightweight app.

Overview of BetterSnapTool: What can it do for you?

BetterSnapTool handles basic window snapping with ease, but its real value shows up when you dig into the customization options. Sure, you can drag windows to the edges of your screen just like with Magnet, but this app goes further. It gives you more control over how things behave, which can make a big difference if you’re someone who relies on a finely tuned setup.

One detail I personally love is being able to assign actions to the standard Mac window buttons, the green, yellow, and red ones. With just a few tweaks, you can completely change what happens when you click or right-click them. It’s a small change, but it makes the whole experience feel a lot smoother.

Even better, you don’t always need to click and drag at all. Just hold a modifier key, point where you want the window to go, and that’s it! It snaps into place! For me, this feature alone has made multitasking way less of a hassle.

If you regularly work with multiple apps or have a setup that demands a bit more flexibility, BetterSnapTool is definitely the stronger choice. It’s ideal for developers, designers, and anyone who likes to fine-tune the way their Mac operates.

Head-to-head comparison: Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool

So far, we know that both apps save you from constantly resizing your favorite browser or tools every time you open them, but which is better: Magnet or BetterSnapTool?

Don't worry, you'll have your answer soon because I’ll now compare them side by side. I'll go through their best features, pricing, and ease of use, so you get a better idea of which app might be the best choice for you.

Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool features

Magnet and BetterSnapTool both let you snap windows by dragging them to specific areas of your screen. The core functionality is the same, even though the user interface is different. However, I personally think that BetterSnapTool has a deeper and more compelling feature set.

For example, you can save a layout with several windows via a keyboard shortcut and then recall it later to restore everything in exactly the same position. If you have a specific workflow with windows that you use daily, this is a real time saver.

BetterSnapTool also lets you move and resize windows by placing your cursor in a specific section and then holding modifier keys. There are lots of other things you can customize in the settings, including window resizing down to the exact pixel.

One thing I like about Magnet is its rule of thirds. The app lets you drag windows so they take up a single third of the screen, or two-thirds of the screen in either direction. If you’re writing in a document and referring to notes or web pages, this is an excellent way to set up your screen for easy access.

Both of these apps also work on multiple monitors, so you won’t have any issues if you have a multiscreen setup.

Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool ease of use

When it comes to ease of use, it really depends on what you want to do with these apps. BetterSnapTool is undoubtedly better for advanced users who want full control over actions and behavior. It allows you to set up custom shortcuts, mouse shortcuts, modifier keys, and advanced automation.

Magnet doesn’t support any of these, but for simple snapping, I think it's easier for everyday users. There’s less of a learning curve. It’s straightforward and gets the job done. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Magnet is also slightly better if you like using the Menu Bar to get into your favorite app features. It includes a long list of snapping actions that will relocate your current window, though I must stress this isn’t the most intuitive method.

You can use the Menu Bar with BetterSnapTool, too, but you have to go to a second menu to get there. This isn’t going to be an issue for power users who rely on keyboard shortcuts, advanced modifiers, and mouse gestures.

Magnet pricing vs. BetterSnapTool pricing

Both Magnet and BetterSnapTool have a simple pricing structure. You get everything with a single purchase. There aren’t any in-app upgrades or premium tiers available, so you won’t be locked out of any advanced settings.

Magnet is the more expensive of the two, priced at $4.99 on the Mac App Store. BetterSnapTool is cheaper at $1.99. I think both of these apps represent excellent value for money.

You can also get BetterSnapTool with BetterTouchTool, a more advanced app from the same developer, which adds more customization features for your keyboard, trackpad, mouse, and other inputs. This is priced at $14 for a standard license with upgrades for two years, or $24 for a lifetime license.

You can also access BetterTouchTool via Setapp for just $9.99/month, and unlock 250+ other premium Mac apps at the same time.

Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool: pros and cons

Now that we’ve explored the differences between Magnet and BetterSnapTool, it’s time to outline their pros and cons. Just a heads up: neither app is perfect. They both come with their perks and limitations that you need to be aware of before you commit to one.

Magnet's pros and cons

Here’s what I discovered while testing the tool.

What I like:

• Simple and lightweight app that uses few system resources and performs smoothly and reliably.
• Easy for casual users to start snapping windows by dragging to trigger areas.
• The "thirds" window splitting is very useful for users on large displays and multiple monitors.
• Has a default set of out-of-the-box shortcuts that are great for anyone who wants to use hotkeys straight away.

What's missing:

• There's limited customization and a lack of features designed for advanced workflows.
• No custom snap areas, modifier keys, or saved custom layouts.
• Only snaps to predefined grid positions, and there isn’t any resizing before snapping.
• Splitting into thirds might not be as useful for users on MacBooks with smaller displays.

BetterSnapTool's pros and cons

After using BetterSnapTool for a while, here’s what I learned.

What I like:

• Highly customizable with advanced window management features including custom snapping areas, sizes, and layouts.
• Granular snap settings include a pixel threshold to prevent accidental window movements or resizing.
• Easy to snap windows to seven positions by dragging them to the edges or corners of the screen.
• Great for advanced workflows and power users who regularly switch back and forth between windows and require specific layouts.
• Modifier keys can move and snap windows below the cursor without having to click and drag.

What's missing:

• Shortcuts need to be configured before you can use them. There are no default settings.
• The user interface isn’t as modern or accessible as Magnet's, and the Menu Bar settings aren’t as immediate.
• Uses more system memory and resources than Magnet.

Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool: Which app should you choose?

There's no easy answer to this question. After writing this Magnet review and BetterSnapTool review, I can only say that the best choice for you depends on your needs and preferences.

I think BetterSnapTool is more powerful overall, as it comes with an excellent suite of advanced settings and features. If you're a power user, coder, or hardcore multitasker, you'll appreciate all the extra refinements and controls.

Magnet, on the other hand, is targeted at a different type of user. It’s simple and reliable, with a nice UI and intuitive interface that Mac users will feel right at home with. There aren’t many advanced features, but it’s not really built with that in mind. It's very lightweight and accessible, and I haven’t run into any major issues during the weeks I’ve used it. Go with this app if you want basic snapping with fixed shortcuts and minimal setup.

You can download both Magnet and BetterSnapTool from the Mac App Store.

Final words on Magnet vs. BetterSnapTool

Both Magnet and BetterSnapTool bring strong value to the table. It really comes down to your workflow and how much control you want over window management.

If you decide to go with BetterSnapTool, keep in mind that all of its features and functionalities are available with BetterTouchTool, an all-in-one customization tool for Mac that offers more than window snapping.

You can try BetterTouchTool and all of BetterSnapTool’s features through Setapp, a subscription service with 250+ Mac and iOS apps. It comes with a free 7-day trial, so you can explore everything before making a decision.