Head-to-head · App Launcher Software
Raycast vs Quicksilver
Raycast leads on 0 checks, Quicksilver 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 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
On supported platforms, Raycast gives you Cross-platform where Quicksilver offers Macos.
Raycast is the better fit for cross-platform power users. Quicksilver is the better fit for mac users who want keyboard-driven automation.
- Raycast fits best
Cross-platform power users
- Quicksilver fits best
Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation
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Side by side
| Feature | Raycast 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Quicksilver 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in App Launcher Software | #7 in App Launcher Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform power users | Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $10/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 7 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, iOS | macOS |
| Integrations | 10 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Features Raycast 5/5 · Quicksilver 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 |
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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 → |
Quicksilver is a free, open-source productivity application for macOS, aimed at people who want to launch apps and work with files through the keyboard. It can search applications, files, folders, and bookmarks, then take actions such as… 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.
Quicksilver — where it wins
- Launch and search apps, files, folders, and bookmarks from the keyboard
- Perform file actions and run scripts without leaving the launcher
- Extend capabilities with plugins, clipboard history, and Shelf storage
Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS
- Catalog sources require configuration to shape what Quicksilver indexes
- Some integrations and capabilities depend on its plugin system
- Raycast9.4/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
Raycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.
Visit RaycastFull verdict → - Quicksilver8.5/10 · Free plan
A free Mac launcher that combines keyboard actions, file operations, scripts, and plugins.
Visit QuicksilverFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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