Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

yabai VS HyperDock

Compare yabai VS HyperDock and see what are their differences

yabai logo yabai

A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

HyperDock logo HyperDock

Select windows by moving the mouse over a dock item and more. FaqFrequently Asked Questions. HyperDock shows "Trial .
  • yabai Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • HyperDock Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-16

yabai features and specs

  • Efficient Window Management
    Yabai provides advanced tiling window management for macOS, greatly increasing productivity by allowing users to manage windows through keyboard shortcuts and layouts, minimizing the need for mouse interactions.
  • Highly Customizable
    The software offers extensive configuration options, enabling users to personalize their window management experience according to their specific workflow and preferences.
  • Open Source
    Being open source, Yabai is free to use and modify, allowing the community to contribute to its development and enhancement. This fosters a collaborative environment for improving the software.
  • Supports Scripting
    Yabai supports scripting through AppleScript or shell commands, enabling users to automate complex workflows and integrate Yabai with other tools and applications seamlessly.
  • Lightweight
    Yabai is designed to be a lightweight window manager, which means it consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that your Mac continues to run smoothly even with numerous active windows.

Possible disadvantages of yabai

  • Steep Learning Curve
    For beginners, the configuration and use of Yabai can be daunting, requiring a significant amount of time and effort to fully understand and utilize its capabilities effectively.
  • Requires SIP Disablement
    To utilize some of Yabai's more advanced features, users need to partially disable System Integrity Protection (SIP), which can reduce the overall security of the macOS system.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    As macOS updates and changes, compatibility issues may arise, potentially breaking functionality. Users may need to wait for updates from the developer community to resolve these issues.
  • Limited Official Support
    As an open-source project, Yabai does not come with official support channels. Users must rely on community forums and documentation, which may not always provide immediate or comprehensive assistance.
  • Complex Configurations
    Setting up Yabai to fit specific needs can be complex and time-consuming, especially for users who are not familiar with scripting or advanced configuration files.

HyperDock features and specs

  • Window Previews
    HyperDock provides live thumbnail previews of open windows when you hover over an app's icon in the Dock, making it easier to switch between multiple open windows.
  • Window Management
    The app allows for snap-to-edge capabilities and advanced window management features, enabling better organization of your workspace.
  • iTunes/Spotify Controls
    The app allows you to control iTunes and Spotify directly from the Dock, providing convenient access to playback functions without switching apps.
  • Calendar Integration
    Hovering over Calendar in the Dock shows your upcoming events and offers a quick glance at your schedule.
  • Multi-Monitor Support
    HyperDock supports multiple monitors, allowing you to extend its window management features across different screens.

Possible disadvantages of HyperDock

  • Price
    HyperDock is not free and requires a purchase after the trial period, which might be a drawback for users looking for budget-friendly options.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some users have reported compatibility issues with newer versions of macOS, leading to unstable performance or limited functionality.
  • Limited Customization
    While HyperDock offers several useful features, it doesn't provide extensive customization options compared to other dock enhancement tools.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might find the array of features overwhelming and may require some time to fully utilize its capabilities.
  • Resource Usage
    Running HyperDock can consume additional system resources, which might be a concern for users with older or less powerful systems.

yabai videos

Yabai Demonstration

More videos:

  • Demo - yabai macOS Tiling Window Manager Demonstration

HyperDock videos

HyperDock (It's Life-changing) for Mac Review and Demo

More videos:

  • Review - HyperDock: Add app preview windows to the Dock on OS X
  • Review - HyperDock for Mac - App Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to yabai and HyperDock)
Window Manager
67 67%
33% 33
OSX Tools
65 65%
35% 35
Mac Tools
77 77%
23% 23
Mac
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, yabai should be more popular than HyperDock. It has been mentiond 133 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

yabai mentions (133)

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HyperDock mentions (16)

  • HyperDock still works!!!
    Even though Apple is deprecating the API for apps to record the screen like in AltTab and Shottr, HyperDock still continues to work properly! For those who don't know HyperDock is a system extension that brings over window previews from windows, it also brings a few other features, it costs $9.95USD for a license but is worth it, although since it was last updated during the MacOS tiger era it may stop working any... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is there no better app than Magnet that is similar to Windows?
    Try HyperDock. Thank me later. Windows will get you covered ;). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Light app that gives you Windows-like previews of multiple app windows?
    Hyperdock shows previews of multiple apps by hovering over them in the dock - https://bahoom.com/hyperdock. Source: over 2 years ago
  • List of useful tools and helpers for MacOs
    Here's my search for an replacement of this genius but end of life software. It was last updated in September 2018, rip :( I have used hyperdock for a very long time. Loved the features and the custom settings. Now with MacOS Ventura sadly it doesn't work anymore. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Simple Questions and Help Thread - Week of September 18, 2022
    I've gotten my first Windows machine in maybe 10 years -- is there an app that has the same window management features as Hyperdock for Mac: e.g. Let me resize or move a window simply by holding down hotkeys and moving the mouse while it's over said window (without clicking or dragging)? Source: over 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing yabai and HyperDock, you can also consider the following products

Rectangle - Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Moom - Move your mouse over the green zoom button in any window, and Moom's mouse control overlay will appear (as seen in the above animation).

Mizage Divvy - Divvy is an entirely new way of managing your workspace.

Magnet Window Manager - Magnet Developers

BTT Remote - A remote control for you Mac, using your iPhone or iPad

Spectacle App - Move and resize windows with ease.