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Head-to-head · Desktop Widget Software

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) vs Conky

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) #3 in Desktop Widget Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit GadgetPack
Conky #7 in Desktop Widget Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Conky

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) leads on 1 check, Conky on 0, and 5 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 scoreGadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresGadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) · 5 of 5

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) scores higher on our rubric for desktop widget software: 9.0 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

On supported platforms, Conky gives you Cross_platform where GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) offers Windows. GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) offers weather widgets; Conky doesn't.

GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) is the better fit for windows users wanting a ready-made free gadget collection. Conky is the better fit for free, highly customizable Linux/macOS monitoring.

  • GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) fits best

    Windows users wanting a ready-made free gadget collection

  • Conky fits best

    Free, highly customizable Linux/macOS monitoring

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Conky 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.5
Ranking #3 in Desktop Widget Software #7 in Desktop Widget Software
Best for Windows users wanting a ready-made free gadget collection Free, highly customizable Linux/macOS monitoring
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Linux, macOS
Support Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) 5/5 · Conky 4/5
System monitoring ✓ ✓
Custom layouts ✓ ✓
Weather widgets ✓ (best) —
Calendar widgets ✓ ✓
Feed widgets ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms Windows Cross_platform
Widget categories sidebar, agenda, CPU and GPU monitoring, battery, calendar, clipboard, clocks, currency, drives, network monitoring, weather, reminders, slideshow, sticky notes, calculator, volume control, unit converter, radio text, progress bars, graph widgets, RSS feeds, calendar events
Our review
Pros
  • Free access to a broad collection of desktop gadgets
  • System monitoring covers CPU, GPU, drives, network, and power
  • Supports movable gadgets, an optional sidebar, and compatible .gadget files
  • Monitors CPU, memory, disk, processes and network activity
  • Supports graphs, progress bars, RSS feeds and calendar events
  • Adds Lua extensions, scripts, mouse events and media integrations
Cons
  • Windows-only support limits cross-platform use
  • Focused on ready-made gadgets rather than custom widget development
  • Gadget quality and compatibility may vary across external .gadget files
  • Customization is configuration-led rather than based on preset layouts
  • Its documented integrations focus on specific media and mail protocols
  • Its widget focus centers on monitoring, feeds and calendar events
Our verdict

GadgetPack, formerly 8GadgetPack, restores a desktop gadget platform for Windows 10 and 11. It suits Windows users who want a ready-made set of clocks, calendars, weather tools, system monitors, and everyday utilities without a paid plan.…

Read the review →

Conky is a free, open-source desktop system monitor for people who want live system information displayed in a desktop window or directly on the desktop. It covers CPU, memory, disk, process and network statistics, while also supporting…

Read the review →
  1. GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)Desktop Widget Software 9.0Free plan
  2. ConkyDesktop Widget Software 8.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack) — where it wins

    • Free access to a broad collection of desktop gadgets
    • System monitoring covers CPU, GPU, drives, network, and power
    • Supports movable gadgets, an optional sidebar, and compatible .gadget files

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only support limits cross-platform use
    • Focused on ready-made gadgets rather than custom widget development
    • Gadget quality and compatibility may vary across external .gadget files

  • Conky — where it wins

    • Monitors CPU, memory, disk, processes and network activity
    • Supports graphs, progress bars, RSS feeds and calendar events
    • Adds Lua extensions, scripts, mouse events and media integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Customization is configuration-led rather than based on preset layouts
    • Its documented integrations focus on specific media and mail protocols
    • Its widget focus centers on monitoring, feeds and calendar events
  • GadgetPack (formerly 8GadgetPack)9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free Windows gadget collection with monitoring, utilities, and desktop organization.

    Visit GadgetPackFull verdict →
  • Conky8.5/10 · Free plan

    A flexible open-source monitor for deeply customized desktop system displays.

    Visit ConkyFull verdict →

More comparisons

All desktop widget software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update