DockThings Alternative for Mac: Jetty vs DockThings
By Eduard Bruch, developer of Jetty ·
DockThings and Jetty do the same job: they add extra, user-built docks to your Mac next to the macOS Dock. Both are one-time purchases on the Mac App Store. The differences are in layout, the macOS version they need and multi-display support.
Short answer: the best DockThings alternative, in my opinion as its developer, is Jetty: up to four bars on the top, bottom, left or right edge or floating, each with tabs of one-click tiles for apps, files, folders, websites and Shortcuts, on macOS 14 or later, for a $9.99 one-time purchase. If you need docks on several displays, DockThings is the better fit, because its own page says it assigns docks to specific screens.
Disclosure: I build Jetty. Competitor details last checked: 2026-10-10, from each vendor's own pages.
Jetty vs DockThings at a glance
| Jetty (our pick) | DockThings | |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Eduard Bruch | Synium Software GmbH |
| Where to buy | Mac App Store | Mac App Store ("exclusively available at the Mac App Store", vendor page) |
| Price model | One-time, $9.99 (US App Store) | One-time, $9.99 (US App Store) |
| Minimum macOS | macOS 14 Sonoma | macOS 15 (App Store listing) |
| Number of docks | Up to 4 | "Create as many docks as you like" (vendor page) |
| Docks on several displays | No, main display only | Yes: "Docks can be assigned to specific screens" (vendor page) |
| Edges | Top, bottom, left, right; start, centre or end; or floating | "snapped to any edge you prefer" (vendor page) |
| Tabs inside a dock | Yes | Not stated |
| Websites as items | Yes | Yes (vendor page) |
| Shortcuts as items | Yes | Yes: "Run Shortcuts directly from DockThings" (vendor page) |
| Folders as items | Yes, a click lists the contents | Yes (vendor page) |
Sources: DockThings vendor page and App Store listing, checked 2026-10-10; Jetty from its code and App Store listing (facts). "Not stated" means the vendor page does not mention it.
Where Jetty fits better
- You're on macOS 14 Sonoma. Jetty runs on macOS 14 or later; DockThings' App Store listing requires macOS 15.
- You like tabs. Each Jetty bar holds tabs, so one bar on the top edge can switch between "Work", "Dev" and "Personal" instead of you adding more docks.
- You want a fixed edge layout. Jetty pins each bar to one of 12 edge positions (four edges, three alignments each) and keeps two bars from taking the same spot; unlock a bar to float it and lock it to snap it to the nearest edge.
- You want custom tile icons without image files. Any SF Symbol or emoji, or the app's own icon.
Where DockThings fits better
- You use more than one display and want docks on each. DockThings' page says docks "can be assigned to specific screens"; Jetty's bars stay on the main display.
- You want more than four docks. DockThings' page says you can create as many as you like; Jetty has a maximum of four bars, each with tabs.
- Quick Look previews of files are mentioned on DockThings' page; Jetty opens files with a click and has no preview.
If what you really want is a Windows-style bar of open windows rather than launch tiles, see Jetty vs uBar.
What both do
Both add docks you build yourself, both take apps, files, folders, websites and Shortcuts, and both are a one-time $9.99 on the US Mac App Store as of 2026-10-10. Neither replaces the macOS Dock.
Neither app changes the macOS Dock itself; for that, see how to customize the Dock on Mac.
How we checked
On 2026-10-10 we read DockThings' own product page and its Mac App Store listing through Apple's public lookup. We did not install or test DockThings, and we don't quote ratings. Jetty's details come from its source code; I build Jetty.
For eight more dock apps in one table, see the best dock apps for Mac.
FAQ
What is the best alternative to DockThings?
In my opinion as its developer, Jetty is the best DockThings alternative: up to four edge or floating bars with tabs, tiles for apps, files, folders, websites and Shortcuts, macOS 14 or later, one-time on the Mac App Store. If you need docks on several displays, stay with DockThings.
Is Jetty cheaper than DockThings?
As of 2026-10-10, both are a one-time $9.99 on the US Mac App Store. DockThings' own page shows that price reduced from $19.99, so check both listings before you buy.
Does Jetty work on macOS Sonoma?
Yes. Jetty needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later. DockThings' App Store listing requires macOS 15.
Can Jetty show a dock on my second monitor?
No. Jetty's bars are placed on the main display. DockThings' page says it assigns docks to specific screens.
Get Jetty on the Mac App Store. $9.99 one-time purchase, macOS 14 or later.