Hazel vs Keyboard Maestro
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Hazel watches folders like Downloads or Desktop and automatically files, renames, tags, or deletes items based on rules the user defines, from sorting invoices by date to archiving old screenshots. It also includes App Sweep, which detects when an application has been deleted and offers to clean up its leftover support files, and integrates with macOS features like Spotlight, Photos, and AppleScript for more advanced automations. Aimed at Mac users who accumulate clutter in their Downloads folder or want consistent file organization without doing it by hand, Hazel runs quietly in the background and only asks for input when a rule genuinely needs clarification, making it one of the longest-running utilities in the Mac automation space.
Keyboard Maestro is a long-running macOS automation app that lets users build macros triggered by hotkeys, schedules, application launches, or system events. Macros can chain together hundreds of built-in actions, including window management, text and clipboard manipulation, image recognition, and shell scripting, to automate anything from a two-step shortcut to a multi-app reporting pipeline. Unlike subscription automation tools, Keyboard Maestro is sold as a one-time purchase and has been actively developed since 1990, with regular updates for new macOS releases including Apple Silicon. Its large library of shared macros and active community forum make it approachable for both simple keystroke shortcuts and complex conditional workflows.
- Saves significant manual folder cleanup time
- App Sweep helps keep a Mac free of orphaned files
- Deep AppleScript support for advanced users
- Long track record of reliability
- One-time purchase with no recurring subscription fee.
- Extremely deep action library covers nearly any repetitive Mac task.
- Long track record (since 1990) with steady, active updates.
- Active user forum and shared macro library speed up learning.
- Mac only, no Windows version
- One-time purchase rather than a subscription some prefer for smaller commitment
- Rule setup has a learning curve for complex automations
- Steep learning curve for building complex conditional macros.
- Interface feels dated compared to newer no-code automation tools.
- Mac-only, so it cannot help users who also need Windows automation.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Hazel
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Mac automation software for building macros that control apps, text, windows, and workflows.
Alternatives to Keyboard Maestro
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Customize Mac trackpad gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and window management, then automate almost anything.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataKeyboard Maestro offers a full‑scale macro engine for any Mac task, while Hazel focuses narrowly on automated file organization; choose Hazel for simple folder cleanup, choose Keyboard Maestro for broader, scriptable automation.
Key differences
- •Scope: Keyboard Maestro automates apps, windows, text, clipboard, etc.; Hazel only organizes files/folders.
- •Trigger variety: Keyboard Maestro supports hotkeys, menu bar, app launches, schedules; Hazel watches folders and uses Spotlight metadata.
- •Action depth: Keyboard Maestro includes hundreds of built‑in actions and can run AppleScript, shell scripts, JavaScript for Automation; Hazel’s advanced actions are limited to AppleScript.
- •User interface: Keyboard Maestro’s interface is dated and has a steeper learning curve for complex macros; Hazel’s rule builder is simpler for file‑based tasks.
- •Target audience: Keyboard Maestro targets power users needing extensive desktop automation; Hazel targets users who mainly want automated cleanup.
Pricing & value
Both are paid one‑time purchases with no subscription, offering comparable cost structures.
Ease of use / learning curve
Hazel’s rule‑based file organization is simpler; Keyboard Maestro’s conditional macros are steeper to learn.
Features & depth
Keyboard Maestro provides hundreds of actions, OCR, hotkeys, and cross‑app automation; Hazel is limited to file‑related actions.
Integrations & ecosystem
Keyboard Maestro can call AppleScript, shell scripts, and JavaScript for Automation; Hazel only mentions AppleScript support.
Collaboration
Neither product lists built‑in collaboration features; both rely on individual use.
Scalability
Keyboard Maestro can scale to automate any repetitive Mac task; Hazel scales only within file‑system automation.
Support
Both provide documentation and community forums; no official support tiers are specified.
Choose Hazel if…
Users whose primary need is automated folder cleanup and file organization.
Choose Keyboard Maestro if…
Power users needing comprehensive, scriptable Mac automation beyond file management.
Common questions
Is there a subscription fee for either tool?
No. Both Keyboard Maestro and Hazel are sold as one‑time purchases.
Can Hazel automate actions outside of file management?
Not specified; Hazel’s key features focus on watching folders and organizing files.
Do both apps run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Keyboard Maestro runs natively on Apple Silicon; Hazel’s hardware compatibility is not specified.