Side by side
AltTab vs Hammerspoon
Both stand on app switcher. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Mac
Visit AltTab Free plan Mac
Pick Hammerspoon if you want deep macOS automation through Lua and configurable event triggers. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical setup with no scripting or support for another desktop platform.
Visit HammerspoonThe facts
| AltTab | Hammerspoon | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | alt-tab.app | hammerspoon.org |
| On app switcher | #3 of 11 | #1 of 11 |
AltTab: what it does well
Hammerspoon: what it does well
- Free and open source under the MIT license
- Lua access to broad macOS system controls
- Window movement, resizing, layouts, and filtering
- Reacts to application, Wi‑Fi, and USB events
- Pre-made Spoons extend configurations
What to know first
- macOS only
- Requires writing a Lua configuration
- Accessibility permission is required
- Minimum listed version is macOS 13.0
Alternatives to AltTab Alternatives to Hammerspoon The whole list