Comparison · checked November 2026
Transom vs AeroSpace
AeroSpace is an i3-like tiling window manager for macOS with its own virtual workspaces and a text config file. It doesn't require disabling SIP.
Short answer: choose AeroSpace if you want i3-style tiling and are happy living in a config file. Choose Transom if you want windows that keep their size (Strip), a settings window instead of a config file, and layouts that survive docking.
At a glance
| Transom | AeroSpace | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Snap + scrolling Strip | Tiling |
| Price | $19 once (1 Mac) · $29 (3 Macs) · 14-day free trial | Free |
| License | Paid, one-time | Open source (MIT) |
| Requirements | macOS 14+, Apple silicon | macOS 13+ |
| Restores layouts when you dock/undock | Yes. Desks restore layouts on dock/undock | No |
| Setup | Settings window, no config file needed | Config file or advanced settings |
What AeroSpace does well
- Powerful tree tiling and workspaces
- Text config you can sync
- Very active open-source project
Where it stops
- Configured through a TOML file; the learning curve is real
- Tiling divides the screen, so windows shrink as you open more
- Keyboard-first; little for mouse or trackpad users
Switching from AeroSpace
- Strip mode replaces the 'windows keep shrinking' behaviour of tiling with columns that keep their width.
- Quit AeroSpace first, since both apps manage the same windows.
We make Transom, so weigh this page accordingly. Spotted something out of date about AeroSpace? Email support@transommac.com and we'll fix it.