Wox vs Alfred

Wox9.2Visit Alfred8.9Visit

Higher score Wox #2 in App Launcher Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Wox

vs

Alfred #3 in App Launcher Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Alfred

• Wox fits best

  Free open-source desktop launching

• Alfred fits best

  Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation

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Side by side

Feature	Wox 9.2/10 Visit ↗	Alfred 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	8.9
Ranking	#2 in App Launcher Software	#3 in App Launcher Software
Best for	Free open-source desktop launching	Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	£34 one-time
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	macOS
Integrations	4 integrations	4 integrations
Features Wox 5/5 · Alfred 5/5
File search	✓	✓
Command launching	✓	✓
Workflow support	✓	✓
Plugin support	✓	✓
Cloud sync	✓	✓
Specs
Supported platforms	Cross-platform	Macos
Shortcut limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Launch apps, folders, files, bookmarks, URLs, and system actions from search Includes clipboard history, calculator, web search, notes, timers, and more Supports plugins and encrypted cloud sync for settings, plugins, and themes	Launch applications, navigate local files, and run web or custom searches. Powerpack adds configurable workflows, clipboard history, and snippets. One-time Powerpack licenses start at £34, with a free core app.
Cons	The breadth of built-in tools may be more than a simple launcher requires Plugin extensions may require Node.js, Python, or script-based systems Cloud sync pricing and account-plan details are not specified	Available only for macOS. Preference syncing requires Powerpack and a locally synced file service. Free lifetime upgrades are limited to the £59 Mega Supporter license.
Our verdict	Wox is a keyboard-first desktop launcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is aimed at people who want one searchable interface for opening applications, folders, files, bookmarks, URLs, and system actions, rather than relying on separate… Read the review →	Alfred is a keyboard-driven launcher for macOS, aimed at Mac users who want to open apps, find files, search the web, and trigger actions without leaving the keyboard. Its free core covers application launching and search, while Powerpack… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Wox — where it wins

  • Launch apps, folders, files, bookmarks, URLs, and system actions from search
  • Includes clipboard history, calculator, web search, notes, timers, and more
  • Supports plugins and encrypted cloud sync for settings, plugins, and themes

  Where it doesn't

  • The breadth of built-in tools may be more than a simple launcher requires
  • Plugin extensions may require Node.js, Python, or script-based systems
  • Cloud sync pricing and account-plan details are not specified

• Alfred — where it wins

  • Launch applications, navigate local files, and run web or custom searches.
  • Powerpack adds configurable workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
  • One-time Powerpack licenses start at £34, with a free core app.

  Where it doesn't

  • Available only for macOS.
  • Preference syncing requires Powerpack and a locally synced file service.
  • Free lifetime upgrades are limited to the £59 Mega Supporter license.

• Wox9.2/10 · Free plan

  Wox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.

  Visit WoxFull verdict →
• Alfred8.9/10 · Free plan

  A capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools.

  Visit AlfredFull verdict →