Start Menu X vs Start10

Start Menu X8.5Visit SStart108.2Visit

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

vs

S Start10 #8 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.2/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start10

• Start Menu X fits best

  Budget users wanting a free Start replacement

• Start10 fits best

  Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences

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Side by side

Feature	Start Menu X 8.5/10 Visit ↗	SStart10 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.5	8.2
Ranking	#6 in Start Menu Customization Software	#8 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for	Budget users wanting a free Start replacement	Windows 10 users wanting Start10 and Fences
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	—	30-day trial
Free plan	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Free trial	—	30 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows
Support	Email	Email, Tickets
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features Start Menu X 2/2 · Start10 2/2
Start button controls	✓	✓
Custom search	✓	✓
Specs
Supported Windows	Both	Windows_10
Replacement mode	Overlay	Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls	Not checked yet	Basic
Saved profiles	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	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	Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration
Cons	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	Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls Group Policy support is available only in the business edition
Our verdict	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 →	Start10 replaces the Windows 10 Start menu with a choice of classic and modern layouts. It is designed for Windows 10 users who want a more traditional Start menu, more control over appearance, or a different way to find applications. The… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• 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

• Start10 — where it wins

  • Multiple Start menu layouts with desktop and Universal app search
  • Filtered searches, custom button images, colors, and textures
  • Secondary-monitor support and Stardock Fences integration

  Where it doesn't

  • Supports Windows 10 rather than a broader platform range
  • Taskbar customization is limited to basic controls
  • Group Policy support is available only in the business edition

• Start Menu X8.5/10 · Free plan

  A focused, low-cost Start replacement with useful organization tools and a free tier.

  Visit Start Menu XFull verdict →
• SStart108.2/10 · 30-day trial

  A focused Windows 10 shell replacement for classic layouts, search, styling, and Fences integration.

  Visit Start10Full verdict →