Spacepal vs Mission Control Rename
If you run three desktops or fewer and only want labels, Mission Control Rename is free for that. Choose Spacepal if you run more desktops and want an overview with live previews, window search and your windows restored after a restart.
Comparison
| Spacepal | Mission Control Rename | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 launch price (regular $12.99), 3 Macs, all future updates | Free for 3 desktops; one-time unlock, price not shown on its page |
| Names in Mission Control | Yes | Yes |
| Live previews of every Space | Yes | Not stated |
| Window search across Spaces | Yes | Not stated |
| Restores windows after a restart | Yes, with limits by macOS version | No; it reapplies names |
| Permissions | Accessibility; Screen Recording optional, for previews | Accessibility |
| macOS 27 | Fixed in 1.2.2 | Its 1.2.4 release notes describe a macOS 27 fix |
| System | macOS 14 or later | macOS 14 or later |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, free and open source | None found (checked 2026-11-05) |
Details checked 2026-11-05 from its product page and its guide, version 1.2.4. We have not run it. "Not stated" means its pages do not mention it.
The differences that matter
Scope
Mission Control Rename describes itself as focused on naming, not a wider Spaces suite. Spacepal does far more, and asks for more trust in return.
The free tier
Spacepal also keeps names, icons and the menu bar free after its trial, but names inside Mission Control are part of the paid unlock. Mission Control Rename gives you those free for three desktops.
When Mission Control Rename is the better choice
- You have three desktops or fewer and want labels in Mission Control for free.
- You want one small tool and one permission.
When Spacepal is the better choice
- You have many desktops, one per project for example.
- You want previews, search and restore, not only labels.
- You want the price stated up front.
Related
- Rename desktops on a Mac for free
- macOS 27 Mission Control and Spaces fixes
- All comparisons and alternatives
We make Spacepal, so read this with that in mind. Competitor details come from their own sites and are dated; if something is out of date, email support@getspacepal.com and we will fix it.
Written by Dan Bayer, developer of Spacepal. Last updated 2026-11-05.