Alfred vs Unclutter

Alfred8.1Visit Unclutter6.9Visit

Higher score Alfred #2 in Menu Bar Apps 8.1/10 Free plan · paid from £34 Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Alfred

vs

Unclutter #7 in Menu Bar Apps 6.9/10 From $20 · 10-day trial ✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Unclutter

• Alfred fits best

  Mac users wanting a broad launcher and automation hub

• Unclutter fits best

  Mac users wanting clipboard, notes, and file-drop panels

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Side by side

Feature	Alfred 8.1/10 Visit ↗	Unclutter 6.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.1	6.9
Ranking	#2 in Menu Bar Apps	#7 in Menu Bar Apps
Best for	Mac users wanting a broad launcher and automation hub	Mac users wanting clipboard, notes, and file-drop panels
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	Not published	$20one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	macOS	macOS
Integrations	4 integrations	3 integrations
Features Alfred 0/3 · Unclutter 3/3
Keyboard shortcuts	Not published	✓ (best)
Automation support	Not published	✓ (best)
Intel Mac support	Not published	✓ (best)
Specs
macOS versions	Not published	macOS 10.13 and later (including macOS 26 Tahoe)
Primary function	Not published	Clipboard
Menu bar items	Not published	Not published
Our review
Pros	Launches apps, files, web searches, shell commands, and workflows Powerpack adds clipboard history, snippets, workflows, and syncing One-time pricing avoids recurring subscription billing	Combines clipboard history, file drop and searchable quick notes Panels work across desktops, displays and fullscreen spaces AppleScript commands support basic file and note automation
Cons	Available only for macOS Advanced features require the paid Powerpack Preference syncing depends on a locally synced file service	Runs on macOS only No free plan; the trial lasts 10 days Automation is focused on basic AppleScript file and note commands
Our verdict	Alfred is a keyboard-driven macOS launcher for opening applications, navigating local files, searching the web, running shell or Terminal commands, and triggering configurable workflows. It suits Mac users who want one command hub for… Read the review →	Unclutter is a macOS menu-bar utility that brings clipboard history, a file drop zone and quick notes into three configurable panels. It suits solo users and small teams who want frequently used content available without opening separate… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Alfred — where it wins

  • Launches apps, files, web searches, shell commands, and workflows
  • Powerpack adds clipboard history, snippets, workflows, and syncing
  • One-time pricing avoids recurring subscription billing

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only for macOS
  • Advanced features require the paid Powerpack
  • Preference syncing depends on a locally synced file service

• Unclutter — where it wins

  • Combines clipboard history, file drop and searchable quick notes
  • Panels work across desktops, displays and fullscreen spaces
  • AppleScript commands support basic file and note automation

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs on macOS only
  • No free plan; the trial lasts 10 days
  • Automation is focused on basic AppleScript file and note commands

• Alfred8.1/10 · Free plan · paid from £34

  A broad Mac launcher with search, commands, workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.

  Visit AlfredFull verdict →
• Unclutter6.9/10 · From $20 · 10-day trial

  A focused Mac menu-bar workspace for clipboard, files and notes.

  Visit UnclutterFull verdict →