Comparison · checked November 2026
Transom vs Stage Manager
Stage Manager groups windows into stages on the side of the screen and shows one group at a time.
Short answer: choose Stage Manager if you want zero installs and work one app at a time. Choose Transom if you want every window visible and arranged, and remembered per desk.
At a glance
| Transom | Stage Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Snap + scrolling Strip | Built in |
| Price | $19 once (1 Mac) · $29 (3 Macs) · 14-day free trial | Free, built into macOS |
| License | Paid, one-time | Apple |
| 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 | Settings or none |
What Stage Manager does well
- Built in
- No install
- Good for one task at a time
Where it stops
- Hides windows rather than arranging them
- Uses screen space for the stage strip
- Many users find it awkward
Switching from Stage Manager
- Turn Stage Manager off in Control Center before trying Transom.
We make Transom, so weigh this page accordingly. Spotted something out of date about Stage Manager? Email support@transommac.com and we'll fix it.