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Head-to-head · Start Menu Customization Software

Start11 vs Start Menu 8

  • 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
Start Menu 8 #9 in Start Menu Customization Software 8.0/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start Menu 8

Start11 leads on 0 checks, Start Menu 8 on 0, and 3 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

Start11 scores higher on our rubric for start menu customization software: 9.3 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #9.

On supported windows, Start11 gives you Both where Start Menu 8 offers Windows_10. On replacement mode, Start Menu 8 gives you Shell_replacement where Start11 offers Overlay.

Start11 is the better fit for power users and organizations needing deep control. Start Menu 8 is the better fit for windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement.

  • Start11 fits best

    Power users and organizations needing deep control

  • Start Menu 8 fits best

    Windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement

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Side by side

Feature Start11 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Start Menu 8 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.0
Ranking #1 in Start Menu Customization Software #9 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for Power users and organizations needing deep control Windows 10 users wanting a simple paid replacement
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price — $7.99 one-time
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs Email, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Start11 2/2 · Start Menu 8 2/2
Start button controls ✓ ✓
Custom search ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported Windows Both Windows_10
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
  • Classic and modern menu styles with Start button icon customization
  • Application and file search, pinning, and custom menu groups
  • One-time $7.99 price with useful taskbar controls
Cons
  • Available for Windows only
  • No free plan is offered
  • Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge
  • No free plan is offered
  • Windows 10 is the verified supported Windows version
  • Customization is focused on Windows Start and taskbar controls
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 →

Start Menu 8 is a Windows desktop utility from IObit that replaces the standard Start experience with a classic Start Menu and customizable Start button. It is aimed at Windows 10 users who want a familiar menu layout, faster access to…

Read the review →
  1. Start11Start Menu Customization Software 9.3Paid
  2. Start Menu 8Start Menu Customization Software 8.0Paid

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

  • Start Menu 8 — where it wins

    • Classic and modern menu styles with Start button icon customization
    • Application and file search, pinning, and custom menu groups
    • One-time $7.99 price with useful taskbar controls

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan is offered
    • Windows 10 is the verified supported Windows version
    • Customization is focused on Windows Start and taskbar controls

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