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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Open-Shell Menu vs Power8

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Open-Shell Menu #3 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Open-Shell
Power8 #7 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.4/10 Open source ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Power8

Open-Shell Menu leads on 0 checks, Power8 on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOpen-Shell Menu · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly Open-Shell Menu

Open-Shell Menu scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 8.9 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.

On supported windows, Open-Shell Menu gives you Both where Power8 offers Windows_10. On replacement mode, Open-Shell Menu gives you Shell_replacement where Power8 offers Overlay. On taskbar controls, Power8 gives you Extensive where Open-Shell Menu offers Basic.

Open-Shell Menu is the better fit for users wanting a free classic Start menu. Power8 is the better fit for users wanting a feature-rich Start replacement.

  • Open-Shell Menu fits best

    Users wanting a free classic Start menu

  • Power8 fits best

    Users wanting a feature-rich Start replacement

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Side by side

Feature Open-Shell Menu 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Power8 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.4
Ranking #3 in Start Menu Customization Software #7 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Users wanting a free classic Start menu Users wanting a feature-rich Start replacement
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Open-Shell Menu 2/2 · Power8 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_10
Replacement mode Shell_replacement Overlay
Taskbar controls Basic Extensive
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Three classic layouts, including Windows 7 and two-column options
  • Custom shortcuts, cascading menus, keyboard navigation, and search controls
  • Open-source Windows utility with Start menu and taskbar skinning
  • Search spans apps, control-panel items, files, documents, and network items
  • Includes power actions, pinning, recent apps, and Jump Lists
  • Extensive taskbar and Start button customization options
Cons
  • Windows-only, with no support for other desktop platforms
  • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
  • Its shell-replacement approach is narrower than a general desktop customization suite
  • Windows-only utility with Windows 10 as the documented supported platform
  • Overlay replacement may not suit users seeking a native Start menu experience
  • Internet search shortcuts depend on configurable external search providers
Our verdict

Open-Shell Menu is a Windows desktop utility that replaces the modern Start menu with configurable Classic, Two columns, and Windows 7 layouts. It is aimed at people who prefer a traditional application launcher, more direct access to…

Read the review →

Power8 is an open-source Windows desktop utility that replaces the standard Start menu with a taskbar-integrated overlay. It is aimed at Windows users who prefer a compact, classic-style launcher with more control over programs, folders,…

Read the review →
  1. Open-Shell MenuStart Menu Customization Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Power8Start Menu Customization Software 8.4Open source

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Open-Shell Menu — where it wins

    • Three classic layouts, including Windows 7 and two-column options
    • Custom shortcuts, cascading menus, keyboard navigation, and search controls
    • Open-source Windows utility with Start menu and taskbar skinning

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no support for other desktop platforms
    • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
    • Its shell-replacement approach is narrower than a general desktop customization suite

  • Power8 — where it wins

    • Search spans apps, control-panel items, files, documents, and network items
    • Includes power actions, pinning, recent apps, and Jump Lists
    • Extensive taskbar and Start button customization options

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only utility with Windows 10 as the documented supported platform
    • Overlay replacement may not suit users seeking a native Start menu experience
    • Internet search shortcuts depend on configurable external search providers
  • Open-Shell Menu8.9/10 · Free plan

    A flexible classic Start menu replacement with useful search and shortcut controls.

    Visit Open-ShellFull verdict →
  • Power88.4/10 · Open source

    A feature-rich Windows Start replacement for users who want more control over search and taskbar behavior.

    Visit Power8Full verdict →

More comparisons

All start menu customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update