- Pick it if you are:
- Windows power users and sysadmins; Developers comfortable scripting
- Top complaint:
- AutoHotkey v1 scripts not working after installing v2
- Price:
- Free plan
- Pick it if you are:
- Mac power users with repetitive tasks; Text expansion users on Mac
- Top complaint:
- Keyboard Maestro stops working after macOS update
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey v1 scripts not working after installing v2(7/10)
- AutoHotkey v2 error: This line does not contain a recognized action(6/10)
Keyboard Maestro
- Keyboard Maestro is too complicated for beginners(6/10)
- Keyboard Maestro interface looks dated(5/10)
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey hotkeys not working in admin windows(7/10)
- AutoHotkey blocked or banned in games with anti-cheat(8/10)
Keyboard Maestro
- Browser and app actions fail (Safari, Chrome, Adobe)(5/10)
AutoHotkey
- Antivirus flags AutoHotkey or compiled .exe as a virus(7/10)
- Is it safe to run downloaded AutoHotkey scripts?(6/10)
Keyboard Maestro
No signals
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey Send not working in games and some apps(6/10)
- AutoHotkey modifier key stuck after Send(6/10)
Keyboard Maestro
- Keyboard Maestro macros not triggering(8/10)
- Keyboard Maestro stops working after macOS update(9/10)
- Typed string triggers stop working(7/10)
- Click at Found Image not working(6/10)
- Keyboard Maestro problems on macOS Tahoe(7/10)
- Secure Input blocks Keyboard Maestro(6/10)
- Keyboard Maestro Engine not launching at login(6/10)
AutoHotkey
- Is AutoHotkey hard to learn? It is a programming language(6/10)
Keyboard Maestro
No signals
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey hotkeys not working with non-English keyboard layouts(5/10)
Keyboard Maestro
- Keyboard Maestro is Mac only(5/10)
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey script slow or lagging under heavy CPU load(4/10)
Keyboard Maestro
- Macros type or paste text too fast and drop characters(5/10)
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey has no official support, only forum and Reddit(5/10)
Keyboard Maestro
No signals
AutoHotkey
- AutoHotkey is Windows only (no Mac, Linux or phone)(5/10)
Keyboard Maestro
No signals
AutoHotkey
No signals
Keyboard Maestro
- Paid upgrade for each major version(3/10)
Pricing Comparison
AutoHotkey
Users: Unlimited
Limits: Windows only, no official support, no visual macro recorder, no built-in sync or cloud
Keyboard Maestro
Users: 1 user per license
Limits: macOS only
Users: 1 user per license
Limits: Requires a previous license
Feature Comparison
| Feature | AutoHotkey | Keyboard Maestro |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| Hotkeys and key remapping | ||
| Hotstrings (text expansion) | ||
| Compile to .exe Ahk2Exe; may be flagged by antivirus | ||
| GUI building Code-only, no designer | ||
| Triggers | ||
| Hotkey triggers | ||
| Typed string (text expansion) triggers Does not fire in password fields | ||
| Actions | ||
| Image search and click Needs Screen Recording permission | ||
| Run shell, AppleScript, JavaScript | ||
| Compatibility | ||
| Works in elevated windows Needs run as admin or UI Access | ||
| v1 script compatibility in v2 Scripts need conversion | ||
| Logic | ||
| Variables and conditions | ||
| Utilities | ||
| Clipboard history | ||
| Platform | ||
| macOS / Linux support Windows only | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Windows or Linux version macOS only | ||
| iPhone / iPad app | ||
| Ease of use | ||
| Visual macro recorder | ||
| Launcher | ||
| App launcher / search Can be scripted, not built in | ||
| Pricing | ||
| Free trial Trial download linked from the official site | ||
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