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BetterTouchTool vs Charles

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

BetterTouchTool icon
BetterTouchTool
Charles icon
Charles

BetterTouchTool vs Charles: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

BetterTouchTool: BetterTouchTool is a customizable software program that allows users to customize gestures and shortcuts for trackpads and mice on macOS. It adds extra functionality not available in the default system options.

Charles: Charles is an HTTP proxy / HTTP monitor / Reverse Proxy that enables a developer to view all of the HTTP and SSL / HTTPS traffic between their machine and the Internet. This includes requests, responses and the HTTP headers (which contain the cookies and caching information).

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature BetterTouchTool Charles
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Development

Product Overview

BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool

Description: BetterTouchTool is a customizable software program that allows users to customize gestures and shortcuts for trackpads and mice on macOS. It adds extra functionality not available in the default system options.

Type: software

Charles
Charles

Description: Charles is an HTTP proxy / HTTP monitor / Reverse Proxy that enables a developer to view all of the HTTP and SSL / HTTPS traffic between their machine and the Internet. This includes requests, responses and the HTTP headers (which contain the cookies and caching information).

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool Features
  • Customizable gestures and shortcuts
  • Snap windows to screen edges or halves
  • Custom actions for trackpad and mouse buttons
  • Keyboard shortcuts for window management
  • Macro recorder and editor
  • Touch Bar customization
Charles
Charles Features
  • HTTP proxy
  • HTTP monitor
  • Reverse proxy
  • View HTTP/HTTPS traffic
  • View requests
  • View responses
  • View HTTP headers
  • View cookies
  • View caching information

Pros & Cons Analysis

BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool

Pros

  • Very customizable and powerful
  • Improves productivity and workflow
  • Open source and free
  • Active development and community support

Cons

  • Can be overwhelming with many options
  • Requires time investment to set up
  • May conflict with some other apps
Charles
Charles

Pros

  • Debug HTTP/HTTPS connections
  • Inspect traffic between machine and internet
  • Identify performance issues
  • Troubleshoot network requests

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Manual configuration required
  • Extra overhead for all HTTP traffic
  • Potential privacy concerns

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Learn More About Each Product

BetterTouchTool
BetterTouchTool
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Charles
Charles
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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