Backdrop and MacWall are both native Mac apps for video wallpapers with Lock Screen support on macOS 26. Backdrop has the longer track record, a no-time-limit trial and a creator tool; MacWall costs less as a one-time purchase ($12.99 for 3 Macs) and adds Bend and Music Sync.
| MacWall | Backdrop | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $12.99 one-time for 3 Macs (India $4.99) | Monthly, yearly or lifetime; about $14.99/year or $29.99 lifetime (MacSources, May 2026) |
| Free trial | 24 hours of the full catalog, no card | No time limit, 3 watermarked wallpapers (Cindori) |
| Desktop | macOS 15+ | macOS 15+ |
| Lock Screen | macOS 26+ | Since v2.0, September 2025 |
| Library | 1,000+ curated 4K loops | “Thousands” of community wallpapers, 24 collections |
| Make your own | Import MP4/MOV with Pro | Built-in Creator tool |
| Extras | Bend, Music Sync, per-display loops | Playlists, curated collections |
| Refunds | 7 days | 14 days, before license activation |
Pick Backdrop if
- You want to try for days or weeks before paying.
- You want to build and publish your own animated wallpapers with an editor.
- You prefer a monthly plan over paying upfront.
Pick MacWall if
- You want a one-time price under Backdrop's lifetime license, for up to 3 Macs.
- You like the categories in the catalog: anime, cars, nature, space, dark and more.
- You want Bend on an Apple silicon MacBook or Music Sync gradients.