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Rectangle VS vtop

Compare Rectangle VS vtop and see what are their differences

Rectangle

Window management app based on Spectacle, written in Swift.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Alternatives Is it good?
v
vtop

vtop is a graphical command-line tool that uses unicode braille to chart CPU and memory usage.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
ASocks
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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 seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 480 times since March 2021.

social mentions
480 vs 0
Mac Tools popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 96

Base details

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

Rectangle
v
vtop
Website rectangleapp.com parall.ax
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in
Mac Tools Window Manager Mac Developer Tools +1
Monitoring Tools Command Line Tools Performance Monitoring OS & Utilities +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Rectangle 5 features
v
vtop 5 features
  • 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.
  • Real-time Updates
    vtop provides real-time updates, giving users an immediate overview of their system's performance. This includes CPU and memory consumption, helping with instantaneous monitoring.
  • Visual Appeal
    The interface of vtop is visually appealing with its attractive graphs and charts, making it easier to interpret data at a glance compared to traditional terminal monitoring tools.
  • Open Source
    vtop is open source, allowing users to contribute to its development and customize it according to their needs. This also promotes transparency and community-driven improvement.
  • Cross-Platform
    Written in Node.js, vtop works across different operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a versatile tool for various environments.
  • Ease of Installation
    vtop can be easily installed via npm (Node Package Manager), simplifying the setup process for users who are already familiar with Node.js.

Possible disadvantages

  • Dependency on Node.js
    Since vtop is built in Node.js, it requires users to have Node.js installed on their system, which may not be desirable for users not using Node.js for other purposes.
  • Resource Consumption
    vtop itself consumes some system resources for rendering its graphical interface, which might be a drawback on systems where resources are already limited.
  • Less Detail Compared to Alternatives
    vtop may not provide as detailed information about system processes and activities as some other terminal monitoring tools like htop or Glances.
  • Potential Overhead
    The additional overhead of running a Node.js application might not be suitable for minimalistic setups where performance is critical and every bit of resource counts.
  • Learning Curve
    Users accustomed to traditional terminal-based system monitors might face a learning curve when switching to vtop due to its unique interface and features.

Analysis

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

Rectangle
v
vtop

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.

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Vtop is considered a good choice for those looking for a terminal-based system monitor. It combines functionality with an aesthetically pleasing design, which sets it apart from similar tools.

Why this product is good

  • Vtop, developed by parall.ax, is a modern terminal dashboard that offers a visually appealing and resource-efficient way to monitor system processes. It is appreciated for its responsive user interface, customization options, and the ability to display data in a clear and intuitive format. Users particularly value its ability to run on minimal resources while offering real-time process monitoring and statistics.

Recommended for

  • Developers who prefer working within a terminal environment.
  • System administrators looking for lightweight monitoring tools.
  • Users who appreciate customization and aesthetic terminal applications.
  • Individuals who require a quick and efficient way to monitor system processes.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Rectangle 3 videos + Add
v
vtop 2 videos + Add

SKYWALKER RECTANGLE TRAMPOLINE REVIEW!!!

More videos

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

Transfer Vinyls/Cassettes to Digital | VTOP USB Audio Capture Card Review

More videos

  • - VTOP Fly Kan USB2.0 Audio Capture Card - Cassette to CD - Linux 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
Rectangle
v
vtop
100% 100%
Mac Tools
0% 0%
0% 0%
Monitoring Tools
100% 100%
100% 100%
Window Manager
0% 0%
0% 0%
Command Line Tools
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Rectangle and vtop. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

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

Rectangle no reviews yet
v
vtop no reviews yet
  • 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...

We have no reviews of vtop yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

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

Rectangle 480 mentions
v
vtop 0 mentions
  • 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 / 26 days 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 / 5 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 / 5 months ago

View more

Tracking vtop since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to Rectangle and vtop

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