Betterswitch

Betterswitch is a native macOS window switcher for jumping directly to an individual open window rather than just cycling between apps with Command-Tab. It combines keyboard-driven window navigation with Workspaces, which are named groups of apps for different tasks.

Find windows with a shortcut

Open the switcher with a configurable keyboard shortcut, search by app name or window title, navigate the results, and press Return to focus a window. Two layouts—Classic List and Preview Thumbnails—offer different ways to browse. You can also adjust the switcher size and glass appearance. According to the developer, the switcher includes windows from other macOS Spaces.

Switch between app-based Workspaces

Create and rename Workspaces, assign apps to them, and switch between setups for activities such as studying or development. Betterswitch can hide apps from the previous workspace and bring forward or launch those assigned to the next one. Its Workspaces are app groups shared across macOS Spaces, not additional virtual desktops.

Workspaces do not save or restore window sizes and positions, open documents, Finder folder paths, or individual Safari Tab Groups. This makes them better suited to changing which apps are available than to restoring an exact desktop layout.

Requirements, permissions, and licenses

Betterswitch requires macOS 26 or later on Apple silicon; Intel Macs are not supported. Accessibility permission is necessary to detect and control windows. Screen Recording permission is optional for thumbnail previews; without it, the switcher uses app icons. The developer states that window data is processed locally.

The app is downloaded directly from the developer rather than the Mac App Store. It is signed and notarized by Apple. A monthly subscription costs $1.99/month with a 7-day free trial, while a $9.99 lifetime license is a one-time purchase without a trial. Both options permit activation on up to two Macs. There is no permanent free tier; the subscription renews unless canceled.