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Head-to-head · App Launcher Software

Wox vs Flow Launcher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Wox #2 in App Launcher Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Wox
Flow Launcher #6 in App Launcher Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 5 features Visit Flow Launcher

Wox leads on 0 checks, Flow Launcher on 0, and 6 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 scoreWox · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresWox · 5 of 5

Wox scores higher on our rubric for app launcher software: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

On supported platforms, Wox gives you Cross-platform where Flow Launcher offers Windows.

Wox is the better fit for free open-source desktop launching. Flow Launcher is the better fit for windows users wanting an extensible launcher.

  • Wox fits best

    Free open-source desktop launching

  • Flow Launcher fits best

    Windows users wanting an extensible launcher

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Side by side

Feature Wox 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Flow Launcher 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #2 in App Launcher Software #6 in App Launcher Software
Best for Free open-source desktop launching Windows users wanting an extensible launcher
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows
Integrations 4 integrations 4 integrations
Features Wox 5/5 · Flow Launcher 3/5
File search ✓ ✓
Command launching ✓ ✓
Workflow support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Plugin support ✓ ✓
Cloud sync ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Cross-platform Windows
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
  • Search apps, files, file contents, bookmarks, web, and Windows settings
  • Launch system commands, run shell commands, and use a calculator
  • Extend search and automation with community plugins and integrations
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
  • Windows only, with support for Windows 10 and later
  • Search of local files and contents relies on Everything or Windows Search
  • Cloud synchronization and configured multi-step workflow support are not verified
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 →

Flow Launcher is a free, open-source launcher for Windows users who want one search interface for apps, files, bookmarks, web searches, and system settings. It also handles system commands, shell execution, and calculator tasks.…

Read the review →
  1. WoxApp Launcher Software 9.2Free plan
  2. Flow LauncherApp Launcher Software 8.6Free plan

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

  • Flow Launcher — where it wins

    • Search apps, files, file contents, bookmarks, web, and Windows settings
    • Launch system commands, run shell commands, and use a calculator
    • Extend search and automation with community plugins and integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows only, with support for Windows 10 and later
    • Search of local files and contents relies on Everything or Windows Search
    • Cloud synchronization and configured multi-step workflow support are not verified
  • Wox9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit WoxFull verdict →
  • Flow Launcher8.6/10 · Free plan

    A customizable Windows launcher that brings apps, files, commands, and plugins into search.

    Visit Flow LauncherFull verdict →

More comparisons

All app launcher software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update