Binky
Binky vs Hazel
Hazel is the grandmaster of “when this happens in this folder, do that.” Binky is for when you want the Downloads tantrum handled without writing a syllabus first.
Choose Hazel for full routine control
When you need rules across many locations, deep conditions, and integrations — and you’re fine maintaining that rule set over time.
Choose Binky for Routines without the rule-writing
When you want parallel named Routines for Downloads, Desktop, or any noisy folder — sorted destinations, Review safety net, optional Finder tags — and open source on day one.
| Binky | Hazel | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (MIT) | Paid ($42, one-time) |
| Primary focus | Named Routines per fussy folder — sorted destinations + Review | Rules engine across all folders on the Mac |
| Named / parallel routines | Yes — each with its own source, rules, tag defaults | Rules per folder (no named workflow sets) |
| Setup required | Pick a template or start blank — nothing to author on day one | You design rules per workflow |
| Auto-sort Downloads | Yes — default type sorted folders | Yes — if your rules say so |
| Stable-file gate | Built in | Depends how you script rules |
| Sort preview | Yes — inline dry-run before anything moves | — |
| Natural-language rules | Yes — phrase → rule with preview before applying | GUI rule builder |
| Archive extraction / DMG install | Yes — built-in rule actions | Shell script actions |
| Review folder | Yes | Roll your own |
| Optional Finder tags | Yes — routine defaults + per-rule + protected tags | Yes |
| Receipt detection | Yes — Vision + PDFKit auto-routes financial docs | Custom rules |
| Open source | Yes (MIT) | No |
| App size | 13 MB | ~29 MB |
Keep Hazel for the wide ranch
Pop in a Binky for each fussy folder
Hazel earns its keep across broad rules. Binky runs named Routines per folder — sorted destinations, Review safety net, optional Finder tags. Free and open source.
13 MB · v1.5.1 · Requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later