IkunaIkuna vs BetterStage
BetterStage tiles the windows you already have open. Ikuna saves and rebuilds entire work contexts. They're not really competing for the same job.
BetterStage and Ikuna solve different problems. BetterStage is a window tiler: it arranges the apps you already have open into named stages per monitor, switching between them in under 16 ms. It does not save or restore contexts — if you quit an app, the stage loses that window. Ikuna works from a saved state: one click relaunches apps, reopens browser tabs, and rebuilds the window layout from scratch. It also adds a focus-analytics dashboard and distraction blocking. If live, precise window tiling is your primary need, BetterStage is the stronger tool. If you need to restore a full context (including closed apps and tabs) and want insight into your focus patterns, Ikuna covers ground BetterStage doesn't.
Side by side
| Ikuna | BetterStage | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Save & restore whole contexts | Tile & snap open windows into named stages |
| Restores apps from cold | Yes — launches closed apps | No — works with open windows only |
| Restores browser tabs | Yes | No |
| Per-monitor live tiling | No — restores a saved layout | Yes — Bento Box, 15 snap zones, presets |
| AI window arrangement | No | Yes — AI Staging from plain language |
| Focus analytics | Yes — context-switch patterns | No |
| Distraction blocking | Yes — Focus Shield | No |
| Rituals (wallpaper, sound) | Yes | No |
| Stage switching speed | < 3 s (full restore) | < 16 ms (rearranges open windows) |
| Mobile continuity | Coming Q3 2026 (Trigger) | No |
| Pricing | Free tier · Pro €9/mo | Free tier · $19.99–49.99 one-time |
| macOS requirement | 13+ | 14+ (Sonoma) |
Where Ikuna has the advantage
Restores full contexts, not just windows
BetterStage arranges the windows you already have open. Ikuna brings a context back from nothing: launches the right apps, reopens browser tabs, and places every window in the right position.
Focus analytics and distraction blocking
Ikuna tracks how often you switch contexts, which modes you go deepest in, and when your focus peaks. BetterStage has no analytics layer and no way to block distracting apps mid-sprint.
Where BetterStage has the advantage
Live, precise window tiling
BetterStage's Bento Box auto-layout, snap wheel, and 15 snap zones are purpose-built for fast, pixel-accurate tiling of open windows — a use case Ikuna doesn't cover.
AI window arrangement
BetterStage can arrange windows from a plain-language description. Ikuna doesn't do live AI layout.
One-time purchase, no subscription
BetterStage is $19.99–49.99 paid once. Ikuna Pro is a monthly subscription (€9/mo), though Ikuna does have a permanent free tier.
The bottom line
BetterStage is a well-built window tiler — fast, keyboard-driven, and genuinely good at arranging open windows. Ikuna targets a different problem: restoring a complete work context (apps, tabs, layout) that doesn't already exist, then showing you how you focus inside it. Whether one is 'better' depends entirely on which job you're hiring for.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ikuna a window tiler like BetterStage?
No. BetterStage tiles and snaps open windows live. Ikuna saves a full context — the apps, browser tabs, and window layout — and restores it from scratch on demand. They can actually be used together: Ikuna to restore a context, BetterStage to fine-tune live tiling within it.
Can BetterStage restore my browser tabs?
No. BetterStage works with windows that are currently open. It doesn't reopen browser tabs or relaunch closed apps. Ikuna does restore browser tabs as part of a saved context.
Can I run both at the same time?
Yes. They don't conflict. Some users let Ikuna handle context restore at the start of a session, then use BetterStage for ongoing window tiling within that context.
Which is better for deep work?
It depends on what 'deep work' means to you. BetterStage is better if you primarily want fast window tiling. Ikuna is better if you want to restore a full context quickly and get a dashboard showing how you focus — with Focus Shield to block distracting apps.