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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Open-Shell Menu vs Start Menu X

  • 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 X #6 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start Menu X

Open-Shell Menu leads on 0 checks, Start Menu X 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 planboth

Open-Shell Menu scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #6.

On replacement mode, Open-Shell Menu gives you Shell_replacement where Start Menu X offers Overlay.

Open-Shell Menu is the better fit for users wanting a free classic Start menu. Start Menu X is the better fit for budget users wanting a free Start replacement.

  • Open-Shell Menu fits best

    Users wanting a free classic Start menu

  • Start Menu X fits best

    Budget users wanting a free Start replacement

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Side by side

Feature Open-Shell Menu 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Start Menu X 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.5
Ranking #3 in Start Menu Customization Software #6 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Users wanting a free classic Start menu Budget users wanting a free Start replacement
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Email
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Open-Shell Menu 2/2 · Start Menu X 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Both
Replacement mode Shell_replacement Overlay
Taskbar controls Basic Not checked yet
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
  • Freeware includes Start menu, Start button, search, groups, and timers
  • Virtual groups, tabs, folders, and sorting organize large app collections
  • PRO uses a one-time purchase and adds single-click folder launching
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
  • Available only on Windows
  • Several structural and launch features require the PRO tier
  • The multi-PC license is a separate purchase for two or more PCs
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 X is a Windows desktop utility that replaces the system Start menu and can replace or customize the Start button. It is aimed at Windows users and professionals who manage many applications and want more control over how…

Read the review →
  1. Open-Shell MenuStart Menu Customization Software 8.9Free plan
  2. Start Menu XStart Menu Customization Software 8.5Free plan

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 X — where it wins

    • Freeware includes Start menu, Start button, search, groups, and timers
    • Virtual groups, tabs, folders, and sorting organize large app collections
    • PRO uses a one-time purchase and adds single-click folder launching

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only on Windows
    • Several structural and launch features require the PRO tier
    • The multi-PC license is a separate purchase for two or more PCs

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