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Head-to-head · App Launcher Software

Alfred vs Flow Launcher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Alfred #3 in App Launcher Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Alfred
Flow Launcher #6 in App Launcher Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Flow Launcher

Alfred leads on 0 checks, Flow Launcher on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreAlfred · 8.9/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresAlfred · 5 of 5

Alfred scores higher on our rubric for app launcher software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

On supported platforms, Alfred gives you Macos where Flow Launcher offers Windows.

Alfred is the better fit for mac users who want keyboard-driven automation. Flow Launcher is the better fit for windows users wanting an extensible launcher.

  • Alfred fits best

    Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation

  • Flow Launcher fits best

    Windows users wanting an extensible launcher

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Side by side

Feature Alfred 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Flow Launcher 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #3 in App Launcher Software #6 in App Launcher Software
Best for Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation Windows users wanting an extensible launcher
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price £34 one-time Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms macOS Windows
Integrations 4 integrations 4 integrations
Features Alfred 5/5 · Flow Launcher 3/5
File search ✓ ✓
Command launching ✓ ✓
Workflow support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Plugin support ✓ ✓
Cloud sync ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Macos Windows
Shortcut limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Launch applications, navigate local files, and run web or custom searches.
  • Powerpack adds configurable workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
  • One-time Powerpack licenses start at £34, with a free core app.
  • Search apps, files, file contents, bookmarks, web, and Windows settings
  • Launch system commands, run shell commands, and use a calculator
  • Extend search and automation with community plugins and integrations
Cons
  • Available only for macOS.
  • Preference syncing requires Powerpack and a locally synced file service.
  • Free lifetime upgrades are limited to the £59 Mega Supporter license.
  • Windows only, with support for Windows 10 and later
  • Search of local files and contents relies on Everything or Windows Search
  • Cloud synchronization and configured multi-step workflow support are not verified
Our verdict

Alfred is a keyboard-driven launcher for macOS, aimed at Mac users who want to open apps, find files, search the web, and trigger actions without leaving the keyboard. Its free core covers application launching and search, while Powerpack…

Read the review →

Flow Launcher is a free, open-source launcher for Windows users who want one search interface for apps, files, bookmarks, web searches, and system settings. It also handles system commands, shell execution, and calculator tasks.…

Read the review →
  1. AlfredApp Launcher Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Flow LauncherApp Launcher Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Alfred — where it wins

    • Launch applications, navigate local files, and run web or custom searches.
    • Powerpack adds configurable workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
    • One-time Powerpack licenses start at £34, with a free core app.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for macOS.
    • Preference syncing requires Powerpack and a locally synced file service.
    • Free lifetime upgrades are limited to the £59 Mega Supporter license.

  • Flow Launcher — where it wins

    • Search apps, files, file contents, bookmarks, web, and Windows settings
    • Launch system commands, run shell commands, and use a calculator
    • Extend search and automation with community plugins and integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows only, with support for Windows 10 and later
    • Search of local files and contents relies on Everything or Windows Search
    • Cloud synchronization and configured multi-step workflow support are not verified

More comparisons

All app launcher software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update