AltTab vs HyperSwitch
The actively developed, open-source alternative to HyperSwitch.
Verdict
HyperSwitch helped popularize window thumbnails on the Mac, and it is still free. But it is a rarely-updated beta: its last release (v0.3.10, early 2024) added Apple Silicon and macOS Sonoma support, yet it still cannot show minimized windows, has no search, no App Icons or Titles styles, no auto-sizing, and only basic options. AltTab does everything HyperSwitch does and far more, is actively developed, and is open source. For most people searching for a HyperSwitch alternative, AltTab is the answer. AltTab is our app.
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 | HyperSwitch |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | ✅ | ✅ |
| Paid tier | $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 | Inactive |
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 HyperSwitch still maintained?
Barely. Its last update was version 0.3.10 in early 2024, which added Apple Silicon support and macOS Sonoma fixes. Before that, releases were years apart, and it is still labelled a beta. AltTab is actively developed.
What is the best HyperSwitch alternative?
AltTab. It is free, open source, and actively developed, and it shows a thumbnail of every window, including the minimized and hidden ones HyperSwitch cannot show, across all Spaces.
Does HyperSwitch work on Apple Silicon and recent macOS?
Yes. Its 0.3.10 update in early 2024 added Apple Silicon support and fixes for macOS Sonoma, and it requires macOS 10.13 or later. Updates are infrequent, so the newest macOS releases may not be tested.
Is AltTab free like HyperSwitch?
Yes. AltTab is free and open source. An optional Pro tier ($9.99 one-time, 14-day trial) adds type-to-search, extra appearance styles, auto-sizing, and more shortcuts, but the window switching itself is free.