Comparison
Float vs Floaty for Mac
Both keep something on top of your screen — but they solve different problems. Floaty pins a window you already have open. Float is a floating browser: paste any URL and it floats a real web page on top of everything, including the full-screen work Float is designed for. Here’s the side-by-side, updated July 2026.
| Floaty | Float | |
|---|---|---|
| What it floats | Pins an existing app window | A real browser window (any website) |
| Start a website or stream | Open it in another browser, then pin that window | Paste a URL directly into Float |
| Full-screen workflow | Check Floaty’s current documentation for your setup | Designed to remain visible over full-screen apps |
| Browser page controls | Use the pinned browser window | Built into the floating browser window |
| DRM-compatible streaming | Depends on the browser you pin | Supported for compatible services (your account required) |
| Permissions shown by the developer | Accessibility + Screen Recording | Network access for the sites you open |
| Size | See Floaty’s current download details | Native, ~1.8 MB |
| One-time Pro price | $9.99 listed (checked July 2026) | $9.99 one-time |
The bottom line
Pick a window-pinning tool if you only need to keep an app you already have open in view. Pick Float if you want a dedicated website, documentation, or compatible streaming window over your full-screen work, with opacity and an ad blocker in Pro. Float Pro costs $9.99 one time; Floaty’s Pro upgrade was also listed at $9.99 when we checked in July 2026.
Questions
What is the difference between Float and Floaty?add
Floaty is a window-pinning utility: you choose an existing Mac app window to keep visible. Float is a floating browser: paste a URL to open a full website, video, stream, or document in its own resizable window over your work.
Does Floaty work over full-screen apps on Mac?add
Floaty describes itself as an always-on-top window tool. For its current full-screen and Spaces behavior, check Floaty’s documentation for your macOS setup. Float is specifically designed to keep its browser window visible over full-screen apps and across Spaces.
Which should I choose?add
Choose a pinning tool when you only need to keep an existing app window visible. Choose Float when you want a dedicated browser window for a website, documentation, video, or compatible streaming service while you work full-screen. Float Pro is a one-time $9.99 purchase; Floaty Pro was also listed at $9.99 when this comparison was checked in July 2026.
More guides: always-on-top browser for Mac and DRM-compatible picture-in-picture.
Floaty pricing and permissions reflect the Floaty website as checked July 10, 2026; third-party features and prices can change.