Alfred
Alfred: A capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools. Ranked #3 of 40 in App Launcher Software by our editors (8.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users who want keyboard-driven automation.
At a glance
- Editor score8.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users who want keyboard-driven automation
- Free planYes
- Paid from£34 one-time
- Supported platformsMacos
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
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.
Our verdict on Alfred
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 adds tools for users who want to build workflows and expand everyday text and clipboard tasks. The focus is on the Mac rather than a cross-platform launcher, so it suits people who want to refine how they work on macOS, not teams seeking a shared, multi-platform workspace.
The feature depth extends beyond opening apps: Alfred supports local file search and navigation, web and custom searches, and execution of shell and Terminal commands. Powerpack adds configurable workflows and automation tasks, file filters, clipboard history, snippets, theming, and preference syncing. Workflows can connect with Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, or OneDrive, though preference syncing specifically requires Powerpack and a locally synced file service. This makes Alfred a better fit for users willing to configure personal shortcuts and automations than for someone looking only for a minimal app launcher.
Pricing is freemium: the free core provides launcher and search capabilities, and Powerpack is sold as a one-time license rather than a subscription. According to the published plans, Single License costs £34 for one user and covers the current major version; Mega Supporter costs £59 for one user and includes free lifetime upgrades. The lower tier may suit buyers comfortable with a license for the current major version, while those who value lifetime upgrades can consider the higher tier. Choose Alfred if Mac-only launching and customizable workflows are the point; choose another option if you need a Windows version or don't want to configure automations.
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Alfred pricing
All 2 Alfred plans and prices →
Alfred fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | £34 one-time |
| Supported platforms | Macos |
| File search | Yes |
| Command launching | Yes |
| Workflow support | Yes |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| Cloud sync | Yes |
| Shortcut limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, OneDrive |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | alfredapp.com |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
Alfred integrations
Alfred lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
- iCloud Drive
- OneDrive
Alternatives to Alfred
- RaycastRaycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.9.4
- WoxWox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.9.2
- LaunchBarA broad Mac launcher for users who want search, file actions, clipboard history and custom workflows.8.8
Alfred vs the competition
- Alfred vs Raycast
- Alfred vs Wox
- Alfred vs LaunchBar
- Alfred vs Keypirinha
- Alfred vs Flow Launcher
- Alfred vs Quicksilver
Compare Alfred with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Alfred is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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