AltTab vs Contexts
Thumbnail previews and customization versus fast text search.
Verdict
Contexts and AltTab both beat Command-Tab, but they show your windows differently. Contexts is a fast, text-first switcher: hold a key, type a letter or two, and jump to a window. AltTab shows a grid of live thumbnails, and with Pro it adds App Icons and Titles views, type-to-search, auto-sizing, and up to nine separate shortcuts. Contexts matches AltTab on the essentials (search, all Spaces, minimized windows, even VoiceOver), but AltTab is far more customizable, and unlike the $9.99 Contexts it is free and open source.
AltTab is our app. We have kept this comparison to verifiable facts so it stays useful even if you choose the other one.
| Feature | AltTab | Contexts |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | ✅ | ❌ |
| Paid tier | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Open source | ✅ | ❌ |
| Window thumbnails | ✅ | ❌ |
| App-icon view | ✅ | ❌ |
| Titles view | ✅ | ✅ |
| Search (type to filter) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multiple custom shortcuts | ✅ | ❌ |
| Dark mode | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accessibility (VoiceOver) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto-size thumbnails | ✅ | ❌ |
| Minimized & hidden windows | ✅ | ✅ |
| Spaces support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Maintenance | Active | Active |
AltTab is free and open source. There is also AltTab Pro, with a 14-day free trial for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
Is AltTab a free alternative to Contexts?
Yes. AltTab is free and open source, and it covers the core job Contexts does: switching to any window, including minimized and hidden ones, across all Spaces and monitors. Type-to-search is the one Contexts feature that lives in AltTab’s Pro tier ($9.99 one-time).
Does Contexts show window thumbnails?
Contexts is mainly a text list, but when you move through it with the arrow keys it shows a large preview of the selected window. AltTab shows a grid of thumbnails for every window at once.
Can I use AltTab and Contexts at the same time?
You can install both, but they compete for the same shortcuts, so most people pick one. AltTab defaults to Option-Tab and Contexts is configurable, so you can keep them on different keys while you decide.
Is Contexts on the Mac App Store?
No. Contexts is sold directly from its website. macOS window switchers need Accessibility access, which the Mac App Store does not allow, so AltTab is distributed outside the App Store too.