Amethyst vs Dexpot
Amethyst
github.com
Dexpot
dexpot.deSide by side
| Figure | Amethyst | Dexpot |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 11 |
| Spec score · Window Management Software | 7.9 (#18) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Intended users | The project describes itself as a macOS tiling window manager and compares its approach to xmonad. | The maker identifies companies and employees, public institutions and nonprofits, freelancers, and self-employed users as groups that must purchase a license. |
| Support | The project directs users to its troubleshooting guide for common issues and suggests Twitter or Gitter for questions or feedback. | Support requests are directed to the forum or email and should include the Dexpot build, Windows version, running applications, screenshots or video, and log file. |
| What it does | Amethyst is a tiling window manager for macOS along the lines of xmonad. | Dexpot adds multiple virtual workspaces for Windows windows and desktop icons, switchable by keyboard or mouse. |
Plans
Dexpot
- Free private-use licenseFree
- Private useFree
- Single license€24.90, paid once
- Package 5€119, paid once
- Package 10€229, paid once
- Package 20€449, paid once
- Package 50€1,099, paid once
- Package 100€2,149, paid once
- Package 200€4,149, paid once
- Multi licensePriced on request
In their own words
Amethyst
Amethyst is a free tiling window manager for macOS, intended to arrange windows into layouts in the style of xmonad. Its built-in choices include Tall, Wide, Two Pane, several column variants, Widescreen-Tall, Fullscreen, Column, Row, Floating, and Binary Space Partitioning. Keyboard shortcuts can switch layouts, resize the main pane, change focus, move windows between screens or Spaces, and toggle floating or global tiling. Users can configure the app through its interface or a YAML file in their home directory; when present, that file takes precedence over GUI settings. JavaScript custom layouts are available as a beta feature. Amethyst supports application rules, virtual desktop controls, and layout presets, but not window grouping. It requires macOS 10.15 or later and permission to use macOS accessibility APIs. Downloads are available from the releases page or through the Homebrew cask. The project says it does not collect personal information or transmit information over a network, and its repository identifies the license as MIT. It recommends disabling automatic rearrangement of Spaces by most recent use because that setting can make keyboard navigation unpredictable.
Dexpot
Dexpot adds switchable virtual workspaces to Windows, so you can organize windows, files, and shortcuts across separate desktops. Switch desktops with a keyboard or mouse. A full-screen preview gives a live view of desktops and lets you drag windows between them; the window catalog tiles the windows on one desktop and opens the preview when you drag a window. Desktops can have their own files, shortcuts, wallpaper, and background color, including different backgrounds on each monitor. Rules can act on new windows that meet a condition, for example by keeping them on top, minimizing them to the system tray, or changing their transparency. Included plugins add hot corners, mouse-wheel switching, a taskbar overview, grid navigation, 3D transitions, wallpaper clocks, and desktop slideshows. Dexpot has a programming interface for plugins and third-party programs, and a Plugin SDK 1.5. The maker says its components work with multiple monitors, which can be excluded from desktop switching. Private use is free; the pricing note lists paid plans from €24.90 and a 30-day trial. The listed download is version 1.6.14 Build 2439 for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1, including x64 and server versions.