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Head-to-head · App Launcher Software

Wox vs LaunchBar

  • 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
LaunchBar #4 in App Launcher Software 8.8/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 5 features Visit LaunchBar

Wox leads on 0 checks, LaunchBar 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
  • Free trialonly LaunchBar
  • Most featuresWox · 5 of 5

Wox scores higher on our rubric for app launcher software: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

On supported platforms, Wox gives you Cross-platform where LaunchBar offers Macos.

Wox is the better fit for free open-source desktop launching. LaunchBar is the better fit for mature Mac launcher users.

  • Wox fits best

    Free open-source desktop launching

  • LaunchBar fits best

    Mature Mac launcher users

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Side by side

Feature Wox 9.2/10 Visit ↗ LaunchBar 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.8
Ranking #2 in App Launcher Software #4 in App Launcher Software
Best for Free open-source desktop launching Mature Mac launcher users
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux macOS
Integrations 4 integrations 20 integrations
Features Wox 5/5 · LaunchBar 4/5
File search ✓ ✓
Command launching ✓ ✓
Workflow support ✓ ✓
Plugin support ✓ ✓
Cloud sync ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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
  • Searches apps, documents, bookmarks and indexed items by adaptive abbreviation.
  • Combines filesystem actions, clipboard history and ClipMerge with web search.
  • Supports custom scriptable actions, Automator workflows and terminal commands.
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.
  • Family License is limited to one household and non-commercial use.
  • The free mode includes occasional breaks.
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 →

LaunchBar is a keyboard-driven launcher and productivity utility for Mac users who want more than a way to open applications. Its adaptive abbreviation search covers applications, documents, bookmarks and other indexed items, while…

Read the review →
  1. WoxApp Launcher Software 9.2Free plan
  2. LaunchBarApp Launcher Software 8.8Free plan · 30-day trial

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

  • LaunchBar — where it wins

    • Searches apps, documents, bookmarks and indexed items by adaptive abbreviation.
    • Combines filesystem actions, clipboard history and ClipMerge with web search.
    • Supports custom scriptable actions, Automator workflows and terminal commands.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for macOS.
    • Family License is limited to one household and non-commercial use.
    • The free mode includes occasional breaks.
  • Wox9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit WoxFull verdict →
  • LaunchBar8.8/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad Mac launcher for users who want search, file actions, clipboard history and custom workflows.

    Visit LaunchBarFull 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