Side by side

Actual Multiple Monitors vs yabai

Both stand on window management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Actual Multiple Monitors

Free trial Windows

Actual Multiple Monitors bundles taskbars, window movement, display profiles, and other multi-monitor controls for Windows. Its 64-monitor limit and gaming behavior address complex setups, while ARM64 users and people seeking a free plan are excluded.

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yabai

Free plan Mac

Choose yabai if you want a free macOS window manager with configurable layouts, command-line controls, and automation. Look elsewhere if you need a non-macOS platform or want its advanced features without partially disabling System Integrity Protection.

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The facts

	Actual Multiple Monitors	yabai
Free plan	A free trial	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Mac
Lowest paid plan	Actual Multiple Monitors: $34.95, paid once	Free or on request
Plans published	2	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	actualtools.com	github.com
On window management software	#41 of 65	#37 of 65

Actual Multiple Monitors: what it does well

Taskbar with Start menu on every monitor
Supports up to 64 monitors
Separate wallpapers and screensavers per display
One-click desktop profiles
30-day trial available

What to know first

No free plan
Windows only
ARM64 is not supported
Paid from $34.95, paid once

yabai: what it does well

Free and MIT licensed
Offers binary space partitioning and floating layouts
Command line controls windows, spaces, and displays
Supports automation through scripts, rules, and signals
Can create spaces beyond the 16-space limit

What to know first

Available for macOS only
Requires Accessibility permission
Screen Recording permission is required when window animations are enabled
Many advanced features require partially disabling System Integrity Protection

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