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Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software

ObjectDock vs ExplorerPatcher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score ObjectDock #1 in Taskbar Customization Software 9.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 6 features Visit ObjectDock
ExplorerPatcher #4 in Taskbar Customization Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Try ExplorerPatcher

ObjectDock leads on 0 checks, ExplorerPatcher 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 scoreObjectDock · 9.2/10
  • Free planonly ExplorerPatcher
  • Free trialonly ObjectDock

ObjectDock scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 9.2 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

ObjectDock is the better fit for established dock and taskbar replacement features. ExplorerPatcher is the better fit for open-source Windows taskbar replacement.

  • ObjectDock fits best

    Established dock and taskbar replacement features

  • ExplorerPatcher fits best

    Open-source Windows taskbar replacement

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Side by side

Feature ObjectDock 9.2/10 Visit ↗ ExplorerPatcher 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.4
Ranking #1 in Taskbar Customization Software #4 in Taskbar Customization Software
Best for Established dock and taskbar replacement features Open-source Windows taskbar replacement
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price 30-day trial Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Docs, Tickets, Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features ObjectDock 4/6 · ExplorerPatcher 4/6
Taskbar positioning Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Transparency controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
App grouping controls ✓ ✓
Multi-monitor support ✓ ✓
Taskbar sizing ✓ ✓
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platform Windows Windows
Our review
Pros
  • Multiple animated and tabbed docks with detailed visual controls
  • Supports task grouping, autohide, and Windows taskbar replacement
  • Multi-monitor support with adjustable dock and icon sizing
  • Supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 taskbar styles
  • Offers edge positioning, monitor movement, grouping, and icon sizing
  • Adds auto-hide, context-menu, Start menu, and Alt+Tab controls
Cons
  • Windows-only platform support limits broader desktop use
  • More focused on docks than full taskbar customization
  • Paid product after a 30-day trial
  • Some features depend on the Windows build in use
  • Supports Windows only
  • No AI features or verified portable distribution
Our verdict

ObjectDock is a Windows desktop customization utility from Stardock Corporation that provides animated docks for launching applications, files, folders, and shortcuts. It is aimed at Windows users who want an alternative to the standard…

Read the review →

ExplorerPatcher is an open-source Windows utility for people who want more control over the taskbar and related shell behavior. It can restore a Windows 10-style taskbar on supported Windows 11 versions while also modifying parts of the…

Read the review →
  1. ObjectDockTaskbar Customization Software 9.230-day trial
  2. ExplorerPatcherTaskbar Customization Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ObjectDock — where it wins

    • Multiple animated and tabbed docks with detailed visual controls
    • Supports task grouping, autohide, and Windows taskbar replacement
    • Multi-monitor support with adjustable dock and icon sizing

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only platform support limits broader desktop use
    • More focused on docks than full taskbar customization
    • Paid product after a 30-day trial

  • ExplorerPatcher — where it wins

    • Supports Windows 10 and Windows 11 taskbar styles
    • Offers edge positioning, monitor movement, grouping, and icon sizing
    • Adds auto-hide, context-menu, Start menu, and Alt+Tab controls

    Where it doesn't

    • Some features depend on the Windows build in use
    • Supports Windows only
    • No AI features or verified portable distribution

More comparisons

All taskbar customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update