At a glance
BetterSnapTool has been on the Mac App Store since 2010. Rectangle launched as a free, open-source alternative that strips legacy cruft and focuses on fast snapping with a clean modern codebase.
Where they differ
BetterSnapTool's defining feature is its custom snap area editor: you can draw arbitrary regions on your display and drag windows into them. It's powerful but has a steep learning curve and a dated configuration UI.
Rectangle App takes the opposite approach — a clean preference pane, sensible defaults, and a keyboard shortcut for every snap position. For the vast majority of users who need halves, thirds, corners, and full-screen, Rectangle's free tier is all they need.
Rectangle — strengths
- Free and open source
- Clean, fast, low-friction setup
- Regularly updated for new macOS versions
- Integrates with BetterTouchTool gestures
✕ Rectangle — trade-offs
- No arbitrary custom drag zones in the free tier
- Less legacy ecosystem than BetterSnapTool
Our take
Rectangle unless you need custom drag areas
Unless you have a specific need for custom-drawn snap zones, Rectangle App is the cleaner, faster, free choice. It handles the standard layout set beautifully and keeps pace with macOS updates.
Power users with complex multi-monitor setups who rely on BetterSnapTool's zone drawing can keep it — but new users should start with Rectangle.
Get Rectangle freeFrequently asked questions
Can Rectangle replace BetterSnapTool entirely?
For 90% of users, yes. Rectangle covers standard halves, thirds, quarters, and full-screen. If you rely on BetterSnapTool's freeform custom zones, you may want Rectangle Pro or to keep BST.
Does Rectangle work with BetterTouchTool?
Yes — Rectangle exposes URL scheme hooks that BetterTouchTool can trigger, so you can attach window-snap actions to gestures or custom keys.
Is BetterSnapTool still updated?
BetterSnapTool receives updates, but the pace is slower than Rectangle App, which tends to ship macOS-compatibility fixes quickly after Apple releases new system versions.