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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Open-Shell Menu vs Start Menu 8

  • 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
Start Menu 8 #9 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.0/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start Menu 8

Open-Shell Menu leads on 1 check, Start Menu 8 on 0, and 2 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 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #9.

Open-Shell Menu offers free plan; Start Menu 8 doesn't. On supported windows, Open-Shell Menu gives you Both where Start Menu 8 offers Windows_10. On taskbar controls, Start Menu 8 gives you Extensive where Open-Shell Menu offers Basic.

Open-Shell Menu is the better fit for users wanting a free classic Start menu. Start Menu 8 is the better fit for windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement.

  • Open-Shell Menu fits best

    Users wanting a free classic Start menu

  • Start Menu 8 fits best

    Windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement

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Side by side

Feature Open-Shell Menu 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Start Menu 8 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.0
Ranking #3 in Start Menu Customization Software #9 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Users wanting a free classic Start menu Windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan $7.99 one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Open-Shell Menu 2/2 · Start Menu 8 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_10
Replacement mode Shell_replacement Shell_replacement
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
  • Classic and modern menu styles with Start button icon customization
  • Application and file search, pinning, and custom menu groups
  • One-time $7.99 price with useful taskbar controls
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
  • No free plan is offered
  • Windows 10 is the verified supported Windows version
  • Customization is focused on Windows Start and taskbar controls
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 →

Start Menu 8 is a Windows desktop utility from IObit that replaces the standard Start experience with a classic Start Menu and customizable Start button. It is aimed at Windows 10 users who want a familiar menu layout, faster access to…

Read the review →
  1. Open-Shell MenuStart Menu Customization Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Start Menu 8Start Menu Customization Software 8.0Paid

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

  • Start Menu 8 — where it wins

    • Classic and modern menu styles with Start button icon customization
    • Application and file search, pinning, and custom menu groups
    • One-time $7.99 price with useful taskbar controls

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is offered
    • Windows 10 is the verified supported Windows version
    • Customization is focused on Windows Start and taskbar controls

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