LaunchBar
LaunchBar: A broad Mac launcher for users who want search, file actions, clipboard history and custom workflows. Ranked #4 of 40 in App Launcher Software by our editors (8.8/10); pricing: Free plan · 30-day trial; best for mature Mac launcher users.
At a glance
- Editor score8.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan · 30-day trial
- Best forMature Mac launcher users
- Free planYes
- Supported platformsMacos
- Founded2004 · Vienna, Austria
- Facts checked19 Sep 2026
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.
Our verdict on LaunchBar
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 filesystem browsing and file operations keep common file tasks within reach. It also brings together clipboard history, web searches, calendar and reminder access, contacts, music controls and calculator functions. That breadth makes it a fit for established Mac launcher users who want a single keyboard-oriented entry point for daily actions rather than a narrowly focused app opener.
The notable distinction is how far LaunchBar extends beyond launching. Clipboard history includes ClipMerge, web searches provide live feedback, and custom scriptable actions can be combined with Automator workflows. Shell and terminal command launching add another route for command-oriented work. Its named integrations include Finder, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome and Chromium, as well as Calendar, Reminders, Contacts, Music, Terminal, iTerm, 1Password, Evernote and Things. This mix favors people whose routines span Mac apps, files, web searches and automation; someone seeking only simple application search may not need its wider toolkit.
LaunchBar is offered as freemium software with a 30-day trial and an indefinite free mode that includes occasional breaks. The Single License covers one user on multiple computers, or multiple users on one computer. The Family License covers one household on up to 5 computers and is for non-commercial use only. These license types give individuals and households distinct purchase paths, while the free mode allows a lower-commitment way to keep using the product. Choose LaunchBar if keyboard-first search plus filesystem, clipboard and workflow features are central to your Mac routine; look elsewhere if you need a non-Mac launcher or do not want interruptions in free use.
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LaunchBar pricing
All 2 LaunchBar plans and prices →
LaunchBar fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Macos |
| File search | Yes |
| Command launching | Yes |
| Workflow support | Yes |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| Cloud sync | Not verified |
| Shortcut limit | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Integrations | 20 integrations: Automator, Finder, Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome, Chromium … |
| Pricing | Free plan · 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | obdev.at |
| Facts checked | 19 Sep 2026 |
LaunchBar integrations
LaunchBar lists 20 integrations on its own site.
- Automator
- Finder
- Safari
- Firefox
- Google Chrome
- Chromium
- Music
- Calendar
- Reminders
- Contacts
- Terminal
- iTerm
- 1Password
- Evernote
- Things
- Fantastical
- QuickCal
- Skype
- Dialectic
- Dash
Alternatives to LaunchBar
- 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
- AlfredA capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools.8.9
See all LaunchBar alternatives →
LaunchBar vs the competition
- LaunchBar vs Raycast
- LaunchBar vs Wox
- LaunchBar vs Alfred
- LaunchBar vs Keypirinha
- LaunchBar vs Flow Launcher
- LaunchBar vs Quicksilver
Compare LaunchBar with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
LaunchBar is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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