Alternatives
docktor vs AltTab
AltTab gives macOS a proper Windows-style switcher. docktor has one too, plus live Dock previews and widgets. If AltTab is more knobs than you need, here's how they compare.
A switcher that looks like macOS
AltTab is the deeply configurable switcher — custom shortcuts, filters, per-space rules — and if tuning it is the appeal, it’s hard to beat. docktor’s switcher is simpler and rendered in native Liquid Glass, so it feels like part of macOS 26 rather than an overlay. The reason to choose it is the rest of the app around the switcher: hover a Dock icon for live previews, and get music, calendar, weather, and stats beside the Dock.
docktor vs AltTab, feature by feature
| Feature | docktor | AltTab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, notarized | Free, open-source |
| Thumbnail window switcher | YesCmd+Tab-style across apps and windows | Yesthis is AltTab's core feature |
| Switcher configurability | Moderate — sensible defaults | Extensive — shortcuts, filters, per-space rules |
| Live Dock hover previews | Yeshover a Dock tile to preview its windows | Nowindow switcher only |
| Music, calendar, weather, stats widgets | Yes | No |
| Built for macOS 26 (Tahoe) Liquid Glass | Yesnative Liquid Glass look | Runs on macOS |
Want a switcher you can configure to death? AltTab. Want switching handled in a native app that does more? docktor. If Dock previews are the real draw, read docktor vs DockDoor next.
Frequently asked questions
- Can docktor replace AltTab?
- For everyday window switching, yes. docktor has a thumbnail switcher that flips between windows across apps. Where AltTab pulls ahead is configuration — if you've spent an afternoon setting up custom shortcuts and per-space filters, you'll miss those.
- Is docktor's switcher as configurable as AltTab's?
- No, and that's on purpose. docktor ships sensible defaults and a few options; AltTab is built for people who want to tune everything. If tinkering is the appeal, AltTab wins that one.
- Then why pick docktor?
- Because the switcher isn't all it does. Hover a Dock icon and you get live window previews, and the space by your Dock fills with widgets — music and lyrics, calendar, weather, system stats. AltTab is a switcher; docktor is a switcher that came with the rest.
- Are both free?
- Yes. AltTab is free and open-source, docktor is free and notarized. Try both and keep whichever you reach for.