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Productivity · head to head

Focusmate vs Rectangle

Focusmate logo

Focusmate

Productivity

Virtual co-working platform for accountability and productivity

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Rectangle logo

Rectangle

Utilities

Free open source window snapping for macOS, with a separate paid Rectangle Pro for extra features

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Focusmate the free plan caps sessions at 3 per week; Rectangle rectangle Pro is a separate app rather than an in-app purchase, so upgrading means installing and managing a second piece of software.
  • They diverge on capability: Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions, Rectangle covers Keyboard shortcuts.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Focusmate and Rectangle actually diverge.

Attributes where Focusmate and Rectangle differ
AttributeFocusmateRectangle
Pricing modelfreemiumOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidMac
CategoryProductivityUtilities
Founded2017Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Focusmate

  • 25-minute work sessions
  • Partner matching
  • Video co-working
  • Goal setting and tracking
  • Session history
  • Reflection notes
  • Weekly sessions
  • Mobile-friendly

Only in Rectangle

  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Drag to snap
  • Multi-display support
  • Almost full screen
  • Rectangle Pro extras
  • Open source core

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Focusmate

  • Virtual co-working sessionsnot Rectangle
  • Accountability partnershipsnot Rectangle
  • Focus and productivitynot Rectangle

Rectangle

  • A developer who wants source-available window management with no cost and no accountnot Focusmate
  • Anyone replacing Magnet who does not want to pay even a small one-time feenot Focusmate
  • A user who installs software via Homebrew rather than the Mac App Storenot Focusmate
  • A power user who later wants Rectangle Pro extras but does not need them from day onenot Focusmate

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Focusmate

  • The free plan caps sessions at 3 per week
  • Unlimited sessions require the Plus plan at $8 per month billed annually or $12 per month billed monthly
  • The Business plan is priced by quote with no published rate

Rectangle

  • Rectangle Pro is a separate app rather than an in-app purchase, so upgrading means installing and managing a second piece of software.
  • It is Mac only, so it offers nothing for a user who also runs Windows and wants one window manager everywhere.
  • It has no official paid support channel, being a community open source project, so issues are handled through GitHub rather than a vendor support desk.
  • Some very old or unusually built third party apps still resist Rectangle window snapping, a limitation shared with most third party window managers on macOS.
  • Because it is not distributed through the Mac App Store, some users have to manually approve accessibility permissions and updates rather than getting silent App Store updates.

Pricing, plan by plan

Focusmate

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 3 sessions per week
    • No credit card required
  • Plus$8/month
    • Unlimited sessions
  • Business$null/mo
    • For enterprises, small businesses, learning communities

Rectangle

Free
  • RectangleFree
    • Free and open source, no account needed
    • Keyboard and drag window snapping
    • Multi-display support
  • Rectangle Pro$9.99/one-time
    • Separate paid app, not an in-app unlock
    • Cursor-following snap areas
    • Per-app window size memory

Which should you pick?

Choose Focusmate if

  • You need 25-minute work sessions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want partner matching.
Focusmate review

Choose Rectangle if

  • You need keyboard shortcuts.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Mac.
  • You also want drag to snap.
Rectangle review

Questions people ask

Is Focusmate or Rectangle better?
Neither clearly leads. Focusmate starts at Free and Rectangle at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Focusmate or Rectangle?
Focusmate starts at Free and Rectangle at Free.
Does Focusmate or Rectangle run on more platforms?
Focusmate runs on Web, IOS, Android. Rectangle runs on Mac.
Can I use Focusmate for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Focusmate best used for?
Focusmate is most often used for virtual co-working sessions, accountability partnerships, focus and productivity. Of those, virtual co-working sessions and accountability partnerships are not what Rectangle is typically brought in for.
What can Focusmate do that Rectangle cannot?
Focusmate covers 25-minute work sessions, Partner matching, Video co-working, Goal setting and tracking. Rectangle covers Keyboard shortcuts, Drag to snap, Multi-display support, Almost full screen.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Focusmate: Does Focusmate offer a free plan?

Yes. Focusmate's free plan includes up to 3 sessions per week at no cost, with no credit card required. Session duration is approximately 25 minutes each. Upgrade to Plus to unlock unlimited sessions.

Source
Rectangle: Is Rectangle really free?

Yes. The core app is free and open source with no feature gating or trial period.

Focusmate: What is the difference between Plus monthly and annual billing?

Focusmate Plus costs $12 per month when billed monthly, or $8 per month when billed annually. Annual billing provides a 33 percent discount compared to monthly billing.

Source
Rectangle: What does Rectangle Pro add?

Cursor-following snap areas, per-app window size memory and some additional layouts, sold as a separate one-time purchase app.

Focusmate: What features are included in Focusmate Business?

Business is designed for enterprises, small businesses, and learning communities, but specific features and pricing are not listed publicly. Contact Focusmate directly for details on Business plan capabilities and costs.

Source
Rectangle: How is it different from Magnet?

Rectangle is free and open source; Magnet is a paid Mac App Store app from the start with no free tier.

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