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Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software

ObjectDock vs Start11

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 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
Start11 #6 in Taskbar Customization Software 8.1/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 6 features Visit Start11

ObjectDock leads on 0 checks, Start11 on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 trialonly ObjectDock
  • Most featuresObjectDock · 4 of 6

ObjectDock scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 9.2 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

ObjectDock is the better fit for established dock and taskbar replacement features. Start11 is the better fit for start menu and taskbar customization together.

  • ObjectDock fits best

    Established dock and taskbar replacement features

  • Start11 fits best

    Start menu and taskbar customization together

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Side by side

Feature ObjectDock 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Start11 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.1
Ranking #1 in Taskbar Customization Software #6 in Taskbar Customization Software
Best for Established dock and taskbar replacement features Start menu and taskbar customization together
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price 30-day trial —
Free plan Not checked yet —
Free trial 30 days —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Docs, Tickets, Community Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ObjectDock 4/6 · Start11 0/6
Taskbar positioning Not checked yet Not checked yet
Transparency controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
App grouping controls ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Multi-monitor support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Taskbar sizing ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platform Windows Not checked yet
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
  • Offers classic, modern, professional, app, and launcher Start menu styles.
  • Customizes taskbar appearance, position, pinned items, and context menus.
  • Includes backup, restore, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment tools.
Cons
  • Windows-only platform support limits broader desktop use
  • More focused on docks than full taskbar customization
  • Paid product after a 30-day trial
  • Paid software with no free plan.
  • Designed for Windows 10 and 11, including ARM systems.
  • Each listed plan includes 30 days of support, not 24/7 support.
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 →

Start11 is a Windows desktop customization application from Stardock Corporation that replaces and enhances the Start menu while adding controls for the taskbar. It suits people and organizations that want Start menu layouts and taskbar…

Read the review →
  1. ObjectDockTaskbar Customization Software 9.230-day trial
  2. Start11Taskbar Customization Software 8.1Paid

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

  • Start11 — where it wins

    • Offers classic, modern, professional, app, and launcher Start menu styles.
    • Customizes taskbar appearance, position, pinned items, and context menus.
    • Includes backup, restore, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment tools.

    Where it doesn't

    • Paid software with no free plan.
    • Designed for Windows 10 and 11, including ARM systems.
    • Each listed plan includes 30 days of support, not 24/7 support.

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