Software Alternatives & Startups

yabai VS Split for Mac

Compare yabai VS Split for Mac and see what are their differences

yabai

A tiling window manager for macOS based on binary space partitioning

Rating
0 reviews
Split for Mac

Arrange Mac windows with shortcuts or drag-to-snap

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Paid $4.99 / One-off (Lifetime license, no subscription)

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, yabai seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 138 times since March 2021.

social mentions
138 vs 0
Window Manager popularity
97% vs 3%
alternatives listed
109 vs 8

Base details

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

yabai
Split for Mac
Website github.com splitformac.com
Pricing —
Paid $4.99 / One-off (Lifetime license, no subscription) Official pricing
Platforms —
MacOS
Listed in

About yabai and Split for Mac

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

yabai
Split for Mac

No description of yabai yet.

Split is a tiny Mac menu-bar app for two windows side by side. Pair them, drag one linked divider, both resize. One-time $4.99 — no subscription. https://splitformac.com/buy

Read more about Split for Mac

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

yabai 5 features
Split for Mac 7 features
  • 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

  • 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.
  • Keyboard shortcuts
    Arrange Mac windows with shortcuts
  • Drag-to-snap
    Snap windows by dragging
  • Linked divider resize for paired windows
    One shared divider resizes both paired windows
  • One-click swap sides
    Swap the two sides in one click
  • Flexible split ratios
    Arrange windows in flexible ratios
  • Menu bar app
    Menu-bar app
  • On-device private suggestions
    Private suggestions that stay on the device

Analysis

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

yabai
Split for Mac

Overall verdict

  • Yabai is highly regarded among users who seek advanced customization and control over their macOS window management. However, it may have a steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with tiling window managers or command-line tools.

Why this product is good

  • Yabai is a popular tiling window manager for macOS, designed to streamline and enhance window management through robust keyboard shortcuts and automation features. It is particularly appreciated for its flexibility and efficiency in organizing a large number of open applications, contributing to a more productive workflow.

Recommended for

  • Developers who need efficient multitasking tools.
  • Users comfortable with the command line who enjoy customizing their environment.
  • Power users looking to optimize their macOS user experience.

No analysis of Split for Mac yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

yabai 2 videos + Add
Split for Mac 0 videos + Add

Yabai Demonstration

More videos

  • - yabai macOS Tiling Window Manager Demonstration

No Split for Mac videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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
yabai
Split for Mac
97% 97%
3% 3%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
100% 100%
0% 0%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing yabai and Split for Mac.

What makes your product unique?

Split for Mac's answer:

Split arranges Mac windows with keyboard shortcuts, drag-to-snap, and flexible split ratios. Paired windows share one divider, so linked resizing changes both windows together, and the two sides can be swapped in one click. It is a menu-bar app, and suggestions stay private on the device. It is a one-time $4.99 purchase with no subscription, for macOS 13 and later.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

Split for Mac's answer:

Split is a Mac-only window manager (macOS 13+) for arranging windows with keyboard shortcuts, drag-to-snap, and flexible split ratios. Linked resizing uses one shared divider so both paired windows resize together, and the two sides can be swapped in one click. It runs as a menu-bar app, and suggestions stay private on the device. The license is a one-time $4.99 purchase with no subscription.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

Split for Mac's answer:

People using a Mac on macOS 13 or later who want to arrange windows with shortcuts, drag-to-snap, flexible ratios, and linked resizing. Split is Mac only (not iOS, Windows, or the web).

User comments

Share your experience with using yabai and Split for Mac. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

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

yabai 138 mentions
Split for Mac 0 mentions
  • Supercharge your macOS workspace management with Aerospace - A guide for busy people
    Aerospace does not rely on the native spaces feature. Instead, it has the concept of virtual workspaces, all of which live in a single native macOS space. Switching between these virtual workspaces essentially means hiding all other... - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Jeff Geerling: The Framework 12 is dead. Apple killed it [video]
    Interesting. I used to daily drive for almost a year until a major macOS update broke it and I just didn't have it in me to diagnose the issue. I'll bookmark this for future adventures, thanks! - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • Show HN: Liquid Radius – Unifies macOS Tahoe's inconsistent window corners
    > Liquid Radius doesn't touch /System or modify the SSV I'm not doubting you, but by requiring users to disable SIP you are effectively opening their entire system to SSV attacks. 99% of "regular" users won't understand that tradeoff.... - Source: Hacker News / 6 months ago

View more

Tracking Split for Mac since Oct 2026.

Alternatives to yabai and Split for Mac

When comparing yabai and Split for Mac, you can also consider the following products.