AltTab vs built-in macOS window switching
Command-Tab, Mission Control, Stage Manager, and what they leave out.
Verdict
macOS already lets you switch: Command-Tab cycles apps (showing app icons), Command-Backtick cycles the current app’s windows, and Mission Control spreads everything out. They are free and always there. What they do not give you is one keyboard switcher that shows a thumbnail of every window, including minimized and hidden ones, across all Spaces, with search, multiple shortcuts, and appearance styles. That is what AltTab adds. AltTab is our app: free, open source, and focused on exactly that.
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 | Built-in macOS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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
Does macOS have a built-in window switcher?
Partly. Command-Tab switches apps, and Command-Backtick cycles the current app’s windows on the current Space. There is no built-in switcher that cycles every individual window across Spaces. AltTab adds that.
What is the difference between Command-Tab and AltTab?
Command-Tab shows one icon per app and switches between apps. AltTab shows a thumbnail of every window and switches between windows, including minimized and hidden ones, across all Spaces.
Does Mission Control show minimized windows?
No. Mission Control shows open windows spread out, but not minimized ones. AltTab includes minimized and hidden windows in its switcher.
Is AltTab better than Stage Manager?
They have different goals. Stage Manager organizes and hides windows to reduce clutter; AltTab helps you see and switch to any window quickly. Many people use AltTab whether Stage Manager is on or off.