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Head-to-head · App Launcher Software

Raycast vs LaunchBar

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Raycast #1 in App Launcher Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Raycast
LaunchBar #4 in App Launcher Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 5 features Visit LaunchBar

Raycast leads on 0 checks, LaunchBar 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 scoreRaycast · 9.4/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresRaycast · 5 of 5

Raycast scores higher on our rubric for app launcher software: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

On supported platforms, Raycast gives you Cross-platform where LaunchBar offers Macos.

Raycast is the better fit for cross-platform power users. LaunchBar is the better fit for mature Mac launcher users.

  • Raycast fits best

    Cross-platform power users

  • LaunchBar fits best

    Mature Mac launcher users

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Side by side

Feature Raycast 9.4/10 Visit ↗ LaunchBar 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.8
Ranking #1 in App Launcher Software #4 in App Launcher Software
Best for Cross-platform power users Mature Mac launcher users
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $10/mo —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 7 days 30 days
Free trial length 7 days 30 days
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms macOS, Windows, iOS macOS
Integrations 10 integrations 20 integrations
Features Raycast 5/5 · LaunchBar 4/5
File search ✓ ✓
Command launching ✓ ✓
Workflow support ✓ ✓
Plugin support ✓ ✓
Cloud sync ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Cross-platform Macos
Shortcut limit Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Search apps and files, then launch URLs and tools with Quicklinks.
  • Run system and script commands, with hotkeys and aliases.
  • Thousands of extensions, plus AI and Cloud Sync on paid plans.
  • Searches apps, documents, bookmarks and indexed items by adaptive abbreviation.
  • Combines filesystem actions, clipboard history and ClipMerge with web search.
  • Supports custom scriptable actions, Automator workflows and terminal commands.
Cons
  • AI features are not included in the Free plan.
  • Cloud Sync is limited to paid plans.
  • Paid plans start at $10 per month.
  • Available only for macOS.
  • Family License is limited to one household and non-commercial use.
  • The free mode includes occasional breaks.
Our verdict

Raycast brings application and file search, Quicklinks, and system tools into a keyboard-first launcher. It is aimed at power users who want to open apps and files, run commands, and extend a launcher with workflows rather than rely on…

Read the review →

LaunchBar is a keyboard-driven launcher and productivity utility for Mac users who want more than a way to open applications. Its adaptive abbreviation search covers applications, documents, bookmarks and other indexed items, while…

Read the review →
  1. RaycastApp Launcher Software 9.4Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. LaunchBarApp Launcher Software 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Raycast — where it wins

    • Search apps and files, then launch URLs and tools with Quicklinks.
    • Run system and script commands, with hotkeys and aliases.
    • Thousands of extensions, plus AI and Cloud Sync on paid plans.

    Where it doesn't

    • AI features are not included in the Free plan.
    • Cloud Sync is limited to paid plans.
    • Paid plans start at $10 per month.

  • LaunchBar — where it wins

    • Searches apps, documents, bookmarks and indexed items by adaptive abbreviation.
    • Combines filesystem actions, clipboard history and ClipMerge with web search.
    • Supports custom scriptable actions, Automator workflows and terminal commands.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for macOS.
    • Family License is limited to one household and non-commercial use.
    • The free mode includes occasional breaks.
  • Raycast9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    Raycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.

    Visit RaycastFull verdict →
  • LaunchBar8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad Mac launcher for users who want search, file actions, clipboard history and custom workflows.

    Visit LaunchBarFull verdict →

More comparisons

All app launcher software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update