AutoHotkey vs Keyboard Maestro

Struggling to choose between AutoHotkey and Keyboard Maestro? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

AutoHotkey is a Development solution with tags like keyboard, hotkeys, macros, remapping, scripting.

It boasts features such as Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys, GUI automation, Mouse gestures, Macro recording and playback, Scripting language for automating tasks, Integration with other programs via COM and pros including Free and open source, Very flexible and customizable, Large community support, Can automate almost any task in Windows, Lightweight and fast.

On the other hand, Keyboard Maestro is a Office & Productivity product tagged with macro, automation, keyboard, hotkeys, workflows.

Its standout features include Macro recording and playback, Macro triggers like hotkeys, keywords, time/date, Macro groups for organization, Macro editing with variables, conditions, loops, Integrates with other apps via AppleScript, shell scripts, Supports multi-action macros, Macro scheduler, Clipboard history manager, and it shines with pros like Very powerful and versatile macro capabilities, Wide range of trigger options, Macro editor makes complex workflows easy, Great for automating repetitive tasks, Integrates deeply into macOS.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is a free, open-source custom scripting language for Windows, initially aimed at providing easy keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys. It simplifies automation tasks such as macros, remapping keys, and application-specific scripts.

Categories:
keyboard hotkeys macros remapping scripting

AutoHotkey Features

  1. Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys
  2. GUI automation
  3. Mouse gestures
  4. Macro recording and playback
  5. Scripting language for automating tasks
  6. Integration with other programs via COM

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Very flexible and customizable

Large community support

Can automate almost any task in Windows

Lightweight and fast

Cons

Steep learning curve

Documentation not beginner friendly

Not designed for large-scale enterprise automation

Windows only


Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro

Keyboard Maestro is a macro program for macOS that automates tasks, workflows, and scripts through hotkeys, macros, launchers, and more. It speeds up and simplifies repetive work by giving you more control with powerful macros.

Categories:
macro automation keyboard hotkeys workflows

Keyboard Maestro Features

  1. Macro recording and playback
  2. Macro triggers like hotkeys, keywords, time/date
  3. Macro groups for organization
  4. Macro editing with variables, conditions, loops
  5. Integrates with other apps via AppleScript, shell scripts
  6. Supports multi-action macros
  7. Macro scheduler
  8. Clipboard history manager

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Very powerful and versatile macro capabilities

Wide range of trigger options

Macro editor makes complex workflows easy

Great for automating repetitive tasks

Integrates deeply into macOS

Cons

Fairly steep learning curve

Can be overkill for basic automation needs

Pricier than some alternative apps