Start11 vs Start Menu X

SStart119.3Visit Start Menu X8.5Visit

Higher score S Start11 #1 in Start Menu Customization Software 9.3/10 Paid ✓ 2 of 2 features Visit Start11

vs

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

• Start11 fits best

  Power users and organizations needing deep control

• Start Menu X fits best

  Budget users wanting a free Start replacement

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Side by side

Feature	SStart11 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Start Menu X 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.5
Ranking	#1 in Start Menu Customization Software	#6 in Start Menu Customization Software
Best for	Power users and organizations needing deep control	Budget users wanting a free Start replacement
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	—
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows
Support	Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs	Email
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Start11 2/2 · Start Menu X 2/2
Start button controls	✓	✓
Custom search	✓	✓
Specs
Supported Windows	Both	Both
Replacement mode	Overlay	Overlay
Taskbar controls	Extensive	Not checked yet
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	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
Cons	Available for Windows only No free plan is offered Search integrations are centered on Everything and Microsoft Edge	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
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 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 →

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 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

• SStart119.3/10 · Paid

  A paid Windows customization tool for detailed Start menu, taskbar, search, and deployment control.

  Visit Start11Full verdict →
• 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 →