Head-to-head · App Launcher Software
Raycast vs Launchy
Raycast leads on 0 checks, Launchy 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 trialonly Raycast
- Most featuresRaycast · 5 of 5
Raycast scores higher on our rubric for app launcher software: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #9.
Raycast is the better fit for cross-platform power users. Launchy is the better fit for users needing broad platform coverage.
- Raycast fits best
Cross-platform power users
- Launchy fits best
Users needing broad platform coverage
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Side by side
| Feature | Raycast 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Launchy 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #1 in App Launcher Software | #9 in App Launcher Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform power users | Users needing broad platform coverage |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $10/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features Raycast 5/5 · Launchy 4/5 | ||
| File search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Command launching | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workflow support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Plugin support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud sync | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Cross-platform | Cross-platform |
| Shortcut limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
Launchy is a free, open-source application launcher for people who want to find and open programs and local files from a keyboard-driven search interface. It is available across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android-related releases, making… Read the review → |
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.
Launchy — where it wins
- Indexes apps, documents, folders, bookmarks, and other local files
- Supports hotkeys, command aliases, web shortcuts, and plugins
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android-related releases
Where it doesn't
- Firefox and Google are the only listed integrations
- Cataloging and file types require user configuration
- Feature breadth depends on plugins for additional actions
- Raycast9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
Raycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.
Visit RaycastFull verdict → - Launchy8.3/10 · Free plan
A free, cross-platform launcher for finding apps, files, and web searches by keyboard.
Visit LaunchyFull verdict →
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All app launcher software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update






