BetterTouchTool

BetterTouchTool lets Mac users customize trackpad gestures, mouse controls, keyboard shortcuts, menu bar features, Stream Decks, and other inputs, then connect them to actions or automations. Its feature set includes more than 600 triggers and more than 600 built-in actions, along with per-app profiles and macro support. Trackpad gestures can use multiple fingers, while mouse options include button chords and scroll modifiers. Keyboard tools cover global hotkeys, short or long presses, typed sequences, text triggers, and a configurable Hyper Key. Conditional automations can be controlled through JavaScript, AppleScript, a btt:// URL scheme, a built-in web server, a command-line interface, or OSC. Custom AI agents can work with OpenAI, Anthropic, and local models. Device connections include Elgato Stream Deck, MIDI controllers, generic HID and Leap Motion devices, and Apple Shortcuts. BTT Mobile turns an iPhone or iPad into a remote control for a Mac and is free after purchasing BetterTouchTool. A 45-day free trial is available. The Standard License is $15 a month; the Lifetime License is $25 a month.

BetterTouchTool offers extensive input customization, scripting, and device connections for Mac users. The trial gives prospective users a way to evaluate it before choosing a paid license.

BetterTouchTool suits Mac users who want to customize input devices, create shortcuts, or automate actions. It also fits users connecting supported controllers, Stream Decks, or a mobile device to Mac workflows.

Overview

BetterTouchTool is a Mac customization and automation app that maps gestures, keys and connected devices to actions. It suits Mac users who want fine-grained input controls or custom workflows; its breadth is a strength, but the paid license makes it a poor fit for anyone seeking a free utility.

Key features

BetterTouchTool offers more than 600 triggers and more than 600 built-in actions. That range gives users room to build workflows around their own habits, though the app’s appeal depends on wanting that level of control rather than a simple device configurator.

Trackpad and mouse controls cover multi-finger gestures, multi-button chords and scroll modifiers. Keyboard options include global hotkeys, short and long presses, typed sequences, text triggers and a configurable Hyper Key. Per-app profiles and macros let users tailor behavior by application and chain actions instead of assigning only one response to each input.

Automation can use conditions and connect through JavaScript, AppleScript, a btt:// URL scheme, a built-in web server, a command-line interface or OSC. Custom AI agents work with OpenAI, Anthropic and local models. These options make BetterTouchTool a strong fit for users comfortable shaping their own automations, but a more elaborate choice than a basic device setup app.

Device integrations include native Elgato Stream Deck support, MIDI controllers, generic HID and Leap Motion devices, plus Apple Shortcuts. BTT Mobile turns an iPhone or iPad into a customizable Mac remote and is free after purchasing BetterTouchTool. The privacy policy says update checks send basic system data; license installation sends a salted hash of the computer UUID and transaction ID. If enabled, Dropbox Sync uploads settings to the user's Dropbox account.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but a free 45-day trial gives prospective buyers time to evaluate the app. The two licenses are presented at the following prices:

• Standard License: $15 a month. It includes updates for two years, after which users can continue using the last version they received. One license covers personal Macs, making this the narrower option for someone who wants a defined update period.
• Lifetime License: $25 a month. It includes updates while BetterTouchTool exists and also covers other macOS apps released during the following two years. It is the broader choice for someone who values continuing BetterTouchTool updates and the additional app coverage.

The prices are monthly as stated. The Standard license’s two-year update window and the Lifetime license’s stated update term and additional-app window are the key differences; neither plan is free.

Platforms

BetterTouchTool supports macOS. Although iOS appears among its platforms, BTT Mobile is described as a companion remote for controlling a Mac, not as a standalone version of the main customization app.

Who it's for

Choose BetterTouchTool if you use a Mac and want to remap varied inputs, build per-app profiles, or connect scripting and automation tools into custom workflows. It is less compelling if you only need basic configuration for a particular peripheral or require a free plan.

General support questions, feature requests and bug reports go to the community forum; license and payment issues can be sent by email.

Pros and cons

• Pro: A broad trigger and action library spans trackpads, mice, keyboards and other inputs, giving customization-minded Mac users many ways to shape their controls.
• Pro: Conditional automations and several scripting and control interfaces suit workflows that need more than fixed input remapping.
• Pro: The 45-day trial lets users evaluate a paid app before committing.
• Con: There is no free plan, so users who want ongoing use without paying should look elsewhere.
• Con: The Standard license includes updates for only two years; continued use afterward is of the last received version.
• Con: Its extensive controls and integrations are unnecessary overhead for someone who only wants basic configuration for a supported device.

Alternatives

For a wider set of options, browse Keyboard and Mouse Customization Software.

• ROCCAT Swarm II is a free device-configuration app for compatible Turtle Beach devices; choose it if that hardware-specific setup is all you need.
• HYTE Nexus is free, has no paid tiers and supports Windows, macOS and Linux; it may suit users seeking a cross-platform option without a subscription.
• Logi Options+ is free for supported Logitech devices on Windows 10 or later and macOS 12 or later; choose it for those devices rather than BetterTouchTool’s wider input customization.
• be quiet! IO Center is a free option with Linux, macOS, web and Windows support.
• HID Remapper is a free option across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows; its maker says the firmware and optional custom hardware are open source, and the repository states that the software is MIT-licensed.
• Logitech G HUB is free and offers LIGHTSYNC RGB customization, device configuration and presets, and game profiles; choose it for Logitech G gaming devices rather than Mac-wide input automation.
• reWASD offers a free trial and paid, one-time lifetime licenses for one PC; it may suit someone looking for a Windows-oriented alternative to BetterTouchTool’s Mac focus.
• SteelSeries GG is a free download for Windows 10 and later.

Verdict

BetterTouchTool is best for Mac users who want extensive input customization tied to profiles, scripting and automation. Its breadth and long trial make it worth considering for that purpose; look elsewhere if a free plan or straightforward, device-specific setup matters more than flexibility.