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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Start11 vs Seelen UI

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Start11 #1 in Start Menu Customization Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start11
Seelen UI #2 in Start Menu Customization Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Seelen UI

Start11 leads on 0 checks, Seelen UI on 1, and 2 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 scoreStart11 · 9.3/10
  • Free planonly Seelen UI

Start11 scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

Seelen UI offers free plan; Start11 doesn't. On replacement mode, Seelen UI gives you Shell_replacement where Start11 offers Overlay.

Start11 is the better fit for power users and organizations needing deep control. Seelen UI is the better fit for free users wanting broad Windows customization.

  • Start11 fits best

    Power users and organizations needing deep control

  • Seelen UI fits best

    Free users wanting broad Windows customization

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Side by side

Feature Start11 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Seelen UI 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Start Menu Customization Software #2 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Power users and organizations needing deep control Free users wanting broad Windows customization
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Community
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Start11 2/2 · Seelen UI 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Both
Replacement mode Overlay Shell_replacement
Taskbar controls Extensive Extensive
Saved profiles Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
  • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
  • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools
  • Free and open source with Windows 10 and Windows 11 support
  • Combines Start search, pinned grids, folders, and extensive taskbar controls
  • Adds tiling, wallpapers, widgets, previews, and custom Alt+Tab switching
Cons
  • Available for Windows only
  • No free plan is offered
  • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge
  • Windows-only, with no support for other platforms
  • Shell replacement changes more than Start menu behavior
  • Focuses on Windows desktop customization rather than integrations
Our verdict

Start11 is a paid Windows desktop customization application from Stardock Corporation. It replaces and enhances the Start menu on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with support for ARM systems. The product is aimed at power users who want more…

Read the review →

Seelen UI is a free, open-source Windows desktop customization application for personal users who want to replace or enhance the default taskbar and Start menu. It supports Windows 10 and Windows 11, and its shell-replacement approach goes…

Read the review →
  1. Start11Start Menu Customization Software 9.3Paid
  2. Seelen UIStart Menu Customization Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Start11 — where it wins

    • Multiple Start menu layouts with detailed visual and organizational controls
    • Extensive taskbar customization, pinning, positioning, and ungrouping
    • Backup, kiosk locking, scripting, and deployment configuration tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Available for Windows only
    • No free plan is offered
    • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge

  • Seelen UI — where it wins

    • Free and open source with Windows 10 and Windows 11 support
    • Combines Start search, pinned grids, folders, and extensive taskbar controls
    • Adds tiling, wallpapers, widgets, previews, and custom Alt+Tab switching

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no support for other platforms
    • Shell replacement changes more than Start menu behavior
    • Focuses on Windows desktop customization rather than integrations

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