Hazel alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Hazel: mac only, and building reliable rules takes some testing. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Hazel, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Keyboard Maestro currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best Hazel alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Hazel alternative for most people
Keyboard MaestroCan also react to folder changes, plus automate apps and text.
Best Hazel alternative for a free option
HammerspoonFree, scriptable folder watchers for people who write Lua.
Best Hazel alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
AlfredManual but fast keyboard file actions if you prefer to file things yourself.
Best Hazel alternative for open source
HammerspoonFree, scriptable folder watchers for people who write Lua.
Best Hazel alternative for Mac
Keyboard MaestroCan also react to folder changes, plus automate apps and text.
Hazel alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Hazel?
Keyboard Maestro ranks first right now. Can also react to folder changes, plus automate apps and text. Hammerspoon and Alfred follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Hazel?
Yes. Hammerspoon (open source) and Alfred (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Hazel?
Yes: Hammerspoon.
Why do people switch from Hazel?
The complaints we hear most: mac only; building reliable rules takes some testing; major versions are paid upgrades.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Hazel, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.