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Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software

ObjectDock vs Winstep Nexus Dock

  • 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
Winstep Nexus Dock #7 in Taskbar Customization Software 7.9/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Winstep

ObjectDock leads on 0 checks, Winstep Nexus Dock 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 Winstep Nexus Dock
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresWinstep Nexus Dock · 5 of 6

ObjectDock scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 9.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

ObjectDock is the better fit for established dock and taskbar replacement features. Winstep Nexus Dock is the better fit for windows users wanting a customizable dock.

  • ObjectDock fits best

    Established dock and taskbar replacement features

  • Winstep Nexus Dock fits best

    Windows users wanting a customizable dock

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Side by side

Feature ObjectDock 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Winstep Nexus Dock 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 7.9
Ranking #1 in Taskbar Customization Software #7 in Taskbar Customization Software
Best for Established dock and taskbar replacement features Windows users wanting a customizable dock
Pricing model Paid Free plan + paid
Starting price 30-day trial $12.95/user one-time
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Docs, Tickets, Community Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features ObjectDock 4/6 · Winstep Nexus Dock 5/6
Taskbar positioning Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Transparency controls ✓ ✓
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
  • Free tier includes launching, hiding, grouping, and multi-monitor support
  • System-tray integration, task controls, and screen-edge positioning
  • Modules, themes, transparency, sizing, and per-monitor DPI support
Cons
  • Windows-only platform support limits broader desktop use
  • More focused on docks than full taskbar customization
  • Paid product after a 30-day trial
  • Focused on dock customization rather than native taskbar editing
  • Nexus Free is limited to one dock
  • Windows-only, with no open-source edition
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 →

Winstep Nexus Dock is a Windows desktop dock for launching applications, files, folders, documents, URLs, and commands. It is aimed at users who want to supplement or replace parts of the Windows taskbar with a more configurable launcher.…

Read the review →
  1. ObjectDockTaskbar Customization Software 9.230-day trial
  2. Winstep Nexus DockTaskbar Customization Software 7.9Free plan · 30-day trial

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

  • Winstep Nexus Dock — where it wins

    • Free tier includes launching, hiding, grouping, and multi-monitor support
    • System-tray integration, task controls, and screen-edge positioning
    • Modules, themes, transparency, sizing, and per-monitor DPI support

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on dock customization rather than native taskbar editing
    • Nexus Free is limited to one dock
    • Windows-only, with no open-source edition
  • ObjectDock9.2/10 · 30-day trial

    A feature-rich Windows dock replacement with strong customization and multi-monitor support.

    Visit ObjectDockFull verdict →
  • Winstep Nexus Dock7.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A feature-rich Windows dock with a capable free tier and expanded paid editions.

    Visit WinstepFull verdict →

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