Keyboard Maestro vs Alfred: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Keyboard Maestro and Alfred comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Keyboard Maestro
Automate your Mac with powerful macros to boost productivity and efficiency.
Best for you if:
- • Automate nearly any task on macOS with custom macros.
- • Control applications, manipulate text/images, and streamline web activities.
Alfred
Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Alfred is a productivity app for Mac that boosts efficiency with custom workflows and hotkeys
- • It replaces Spotlight with powerful search, snippets, clipboard history, and automation capabilities
| At a Glance |  Alfred | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Automation | Automation |
Rating | —/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | Keyboard Maestro | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | AutomationWorkflow Automation |
Understanding the Differences
Both Keyboard Maestro and Alfred solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Keyboard Maestro positions itself as "automate your mac with powerful macros to boost productivity and efficiency." while Alfredfocuses on "productivity app for mac with custom workflows and shortcuts". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Alfred
Alfred is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 90/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Alfred won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Alfred
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Alfred is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Alfred
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Keyboard Maestro is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Keyboard Maestro
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Alfred has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Alfred higher (90/100). But the community has upvoted Alfred more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Alfred Does Better
- Higher overall score (90/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Keyboard Maestro If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Alfred (90/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Alfred scores higher in our analysis, but Keyboard Maestro might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keyboard Maestro or Alfred better?
Based on our analysis, Alfred scores higher with 90/100. Keyboard Maestro ispaid while Alfred is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Keyboard Maestro to Alfred easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Keyboard Maestro and Alfred offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Keyboard Maestro is paid with potential trial.Alfred is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.