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Head-to-head · App Launcher Software

Wox vs Quicksilver

  • 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
Quicksilver #7 in App Launcher Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Quicksilver

Wox leads on 0 checks, Quicksilver 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 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.

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

Wox is the better fit for free open-source desktop launching. Quicksilver is the better fit for mac users who want keyboard-driven automation.

  • Wox fits best

    Free open-source desktop launching

  • Quicksilver fits best

    Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation

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Side by side

Feature Wox 9.2/10 Visit ↗ Quicksilver 8.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.5
Ranking #2 in App Launcher Software #7 in App Launcher Software
Best for Free open-source desktop launching Mac users who want keyboard-driven automation
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux macOS
Integrations 4 integrations 8 integrations
Features Wox 5/5 · Quicksilver 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
  • Launch and search apps, files, folders, and bookmarks from the keyboard
  • Perform file actions and run scripts without leaving the launcher
  • Extend capabilities with plugins, clipboard history, and Shelf storage
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 on macOS
  • Catalog sources require configuration to shape what Quicksilver indexes
  • Some integrations and capabilities depend on its plugin system
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 →

Quicksilver is a free, open-source productivity application for macOS, aimed at people who want to launch apps and work with files through the keyboard. It can search applications, files, folders, and bookmarks, then take actions such as…

Read the review →
  1. WoxApp Launcher Software 9.2Free plan
  2. QuicksilverApp Launcher Software 8.5Free 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

  • Quicksilver — where it wins

    • Launch and search apps, files, folders, and bookmarks from the keyboard
    • Perform file actions and run scripts without leaving the launcher
    • Extend capabilities with plugins, clipboard history, and Shelf storage

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only on macOS
    • Catalog sources require configuration to shape what Quicksilver indexes
    • Some integrations and capabilities depend on its plugin system
  • Wox9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit WoxFull verdict →
  • Quicksilver8.5/10 · Free plan

    A free Mac launcher that combines keyboard actions, file operations, scripts, and plugins.

    Visit QuicksilverFull 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