Head-to-head · Taskbar Customization Software
Winstep Nexus Dock vs Actual Multiple Monitors
Winstep Nexus Dock leads on 1 check, Actual Multiple Monitors on 0, and 5 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 scoreWinstep Nexus Dock · 7.9/10
- Free planonly Winstep Nexus Dock
- Free trialboth
Winstep Nexus Dock scores higher on our rubric for taskbar customization software: 7.9 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #10.
Winstep Nexus Dock offers free plan; Actual Multiple Monitors doesn't.
Winstep Nexus Dock is the better fit for windows users wanting a customizable dock. Actual Multiple Monitors is the better fit for powerful multi-monitor taskbar management.
- Winstep Nexus Dock fits best
Windows users wanting a customizable dock
- Actual Multiple Monitors fits best
Powerful multi-monitor taskbar management
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Side by side
| Feature | Winstep Nexus Dock 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Actual Multiple Monitors 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #7 in Taskbar Customization Software | #10 in Taskbar Customization Software |
| Best for | Windows users wanting a customizable dock | Powerful multi-monitor taskbar management |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $12.95/user one-time | $34.95 one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial length | 30 days | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Winstep Nexus Dock 5/6 · Actual Multiple Monitors 5/6 | ||
| Taskbar positioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transparency controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App grouping controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-monitor support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Taskbar sizing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Portable version | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Platform | Windows | Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Winstep Nexus Dock is a Windows desktop dock for launching applications, files, folders, documents, URLs, and commands. It is aimed at users who want to supplement or replace parts of the Windows taskbar with a more configurable launcher.… Read the review → |
Actual Multiple Monitors extends the Windows desktop across dual-, triple- or larger multi-display setups. It adds taskbars, Start menus, system trays and task switching to additional monitors, while also supporting window movement,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Winstep Nexus Dock — where it wins
- Free tier includes launching, hiding, grouping, and multi-monitor support
- System-tray integration, task controls, and screen-edge positioning
- Modules, themes, transparency, sizing, and per-monitor DPI support
Where it doesn't
- Focused on dock customization rather than native taskbar editing
- Nexus Free is limited to one dock
- Windows-only, with no open-source edition
Actual Multiple Monitors — where it wins
- Adds taskbars with Start, notification area, clock and toolbars per monitor
- Supports taskbar positioning, transparency, grouping and custom groups
- Includes profiles, window controls, wallpaper management and gaming options
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support
- No permanent free plan after the trial period
- Broader desktop controls may exceed the needs of basic taskbar users
- Winstep Nexus Dock7.9/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A feature-rich Windows dock with a capable free tier and expanded paid editions.
Visit WinstepFull verdict → - Actual Multiple Monitors7.6/10 · 30-day trial
A feature-rich Windows utility for managing taskbars and desktops across multiple monitors.
Visit Actual ToolsFull verdict →
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All taskbar customization software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update



