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elementary OS VS Rectangle

Compare elementary OS VS Rectangle and see what are their differences

elementary OS

A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS. Pay what you want or download for free.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
CloudCLI
Shared cloud environments for AI coding agents. Run Claude Code, Cursor CLI, Codex, and Gemini CLI from any device, API, or automation tool. sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Rectangle should be more popular than elementary OS. It has been mentioned 480 times since March 2021.

social mentions
147 vs 480
Linux popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
204 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

elementary OS
Rectangle
Website elementary.io rectangleapp.com
Pricing
Open source
Open source
Listed in
Linux Operating Systems Linux Distribution Open Source +1
Mac Tools Window Manager Mac Developer Tools +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

elementary OS 5 features
Rectangle 5 features
  • User-Friendly Interface
    elementary OS boasts a sleek, modern design that is easy to navigate, making it ideal for users transitioning from other operating systems like Windows or macOS.
  • Security and Privacy
    elementary OS is built on Ubuntu LTS, providing a secure foundation with regular updates and support for security patches. The OS also emphasizes user privacy by minimizing data collection.
  • Minimalism and Efficiency
    The system is designed to be lightweight, avoiding bloatware and unnecessary applications, which helps in optimizing performance and reducing system resource usage.
  • Custom AppCenter
    elementary OS features its own curated app store called AppCenter, where users can find high-quality, open-source applications that follow design guidelines and are safe to install.
  • Active Community and Support
    The distribution has an active community, providing forums, documentation, and third-party resources that can help new users with troubleshooting and customization.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Software Availability
    The AppCenter may not have as many applications as other more established app stores, requiring users to sometimes manually install software using the command line or third-party repositories.
  • Customization Limitations
    While elementary OS focuses on providing a consistent and polished user experience, it limits customization options compared to other Linux distributions, which may not appeal to power users.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    Although it works with most mainstream hardware, users with very new or very old hardware might face compatibility issues, requiring extra configurations or workarounds.
  • Performance Overhead
    Despite being lightweight, elementary OS might run slower on very old systems due to its modern graphical interface and animations, which can consume system resources.
  • Learning Curve for New Linux Users
    While designed to be user-friendly, those new to Linux might still face a learning curve when dealing with system settings or troubleshooting without extensive resources compared to other mainstream OS options.
  • Ease of Use
    Rectangle offers an intuitive user interface that makes window management straightforward and user-friendly.
  • Customizable Shortcuts
    Users can easily configure keyboard shortcuts to better suit their workflow, making window management faster and more efficient.
  • Free
    Rectangle is available for free, making it accessible to anyone without the need for a financial investment.
  • Frequent Updates
    The app receives regular updates, introducing new features and ensuring compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
  • Lightweight
    Rectangle is a lightweight application that doesn't consume many system resources, ensuring smooth performance even on older Macs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Rectangle lacks some of the more advanced features found in paid window management applications, such as multiple monitor support and more complex window arrangements.
  • MacOS Only
    Rectangle is only available for macOS, so users of other operating systems are unable to take advantage of its features.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users report occasional bugs or unpredictable behavior, which might require troubleshooting or waiting for a future update.
  • Learning Curve for Shortcuts
    While customizable shortcuts are a benefit, there is an initial learning curve for users to memorize and effectively use these shortcuts.
  • Basic Aesthetic
    The app's design and aesthetic are quite basic, lacking the polish and visual appeal found in some other similar tools.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

elementary OS
Rectangle

Overall verdict

  • Elementary OS is generally considered a good choice for users who prioritize aesthetics, user privacy, and simplicity in their computing experience. It may not be the most suitable for users needing advanced customization or those who rely on specific software not well-supported on Linux.

Why this product is good

  • Elementary OS is often praised for its elegant and intuitive design, resembling macOS in terms of aesthetics. It is built on Ubuntu, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of hardware and access to a vast repository of software. Additionally, it emphasizes user privacy and includes a curated selection of applications to offer a clean and efficient user experience. Its focus on design and usability makes it especially appealing for users who appreciate visual appeal and simplicity in their operating system.

Recommended for

    Users transitioning from macOS due to its similar aesthetic, beginners looking for a simple and user-friendly Linux distribution, users who value privacy and a clean interface, and individuals who prefer a minimalist approach to their computing environment.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Rectangle is highly regarded for its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free and open-source. It provides essential functionality without unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for both casual users and power users who need efficient window management.

Why this product is good

  • Rectangle is a popular window management tool for macOS, known for its simplicity and ease of use. It allows users to efficiently organize and resize application windows using customizable keyboard shortcuts or by dragging windows into pre-defined areas of the screen. This can enhance productivity by minimizing the time spent arranging windows and improving multitasking capabilities.

Recommended for

    Rectangle is recommended for macOS users looking for a straightforward, lightweight solution to manage application windows. It is particularly beneficial for those who frequently work with multiple applications at once, including developers, designers, and anyone who values a tidy and organized desktop environment.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

elementary OS 3 videos + Add
Rectangle 3 videos + Add

elementary OS 5.1 Hera Updates - Linux Distro Reviews

More videos

  • - elementary OS 5.1 Hera | Review and Final Thoughts
  • - Distro Review : Elementary OS 5.1 "Hera" : GLAM UP YOUR DESKTOP!

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos

  • - Skywalker Rectangle Trampoline Review #1
  • - Marvin Malton 160 Rectangle Flying Hour Watch Review

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
elementary OS
Rectangle
100% 100%
Linux
0% 0%
0% 0%
Mac Tools
100% 100%
100% 100%
Operating Systems
0% 0%
0% 0%
Window Manager
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

elementary OS no reviews yet
Rectangle no reviews yet

View more

  • Best 6 Mac Window Managers
    mackeeper.com · Sep 2023

    Rectangle shows that you don’t need to dip into your bank account to get window resizer tools. This free Mac window manager lets you manage multiple windows using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or by dragging and...

  • Top 6 Window Manager Apps for Mac
    www.maketecheasier.com · May 2023

    Most window manager apps for Mac support multiple monitors. They can help you move windows between screens and create custom layouts for each monitor. Many window manager apps – such as BetterSnapTool, Magnet, and...

  • The 6 Best Mac Window Management Tools
    www.makeuseof.com · Apr 2023

    However, it might take some time for you to get used to the shortcuts in the Rectangle app since there are many. Furthermore, you can also add some of your apps to exceptions if you want to keep them away from...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

elementary OS 147 mentions
Rectangle 480 mentions
  • Not the Future
    On topic of less user-hostile OS , I wonder how this guys are doing: https://reactos.org/ https://elementary.io/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Windows 10 resists its end: usage share climbs while Windows 11's falls
    What do you mean, there's all kinds of extremely user focused distributions. If you need it to feel like Windows there's KDE - but if you're OK with changing your mind then things like ElemeteryOS (https://elementary.io/) put a... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Eazel, ex-Apple led Linux startup
    > if a new Eazel emerged tomorrow (another Linux-focused startup led by ex-Apple "rock stars"), how would they best contribute to the Linux desktop? Probably by joining elementary OS: https://elementary.io/. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago

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  • Apple introduces M6 and M5 Ultra for a big leap in performance and AI compute
    Rectangle solved my macos window management annoyances. https://rectangleapp.com/ Not involved in dev of this, just a happy user. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • Ubuntu 26.04 LTS Released
    As a both old Linux and now decade user of MacOS, after I got used to no middle-click paste and no focus-follows-mouse: 1. Keyboard shortcuts are Emacs, Ctrl-A: start of line, E: end of line, K: kill selected or to end of line, Y to... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago
  • Native Instant Space Switching on macOS
    Every macOS user uses Rectangle.app — https://rectangleapp.com The ones who don't use it is because they don’t know it exists. - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

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Alternatives to elementary OS and Rectangle

When comparing elementary OS and Rectangle, you can also consider the following products.

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