Best Raycast Alternatives in 2026
The top Raycast alternatives are Wox, Alfred and LaunchBar: 15 app launcher software our editors would look at instead of Raycast, in our ranking order.
Raycast: Raycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI. Where it falls short: AI features are not included in the free plan..
Switching from Raycast? For most app launcher software buyers the best Raycast alternative is Wox, built for free open-source desktop launching.
Why People Look for a Raycast Alternative
- AI features are not included in the Free plan
- Cloud Sync is limited to paid plans
- Paid plans start at $10 per month
Quick Picks by What You Need
All 15 Raycast Alternatives, Ranked
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Best forFree open-source desktop launching
Wox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.
- Cloud sync
- File search
- Workflow support
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Wox -
Best forMac users who want keyboard-driven automation
A capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools.
- Cloud sync
- File search
- Workflow support
8.9/10★★★★☆Visit Alfred -
Best forMature Mac launcher users
A broad Mac launcher for users who want search, file actions, clipboard history and custom workflows.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit LaunchBar -
Best forWindows users who prefer keyboard-driven search
A free Windows launcher with broad catalog search, configurable indexing, and Python plugins.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit Keypirinha -
Best forWindows users wanting an extensible launcher
A customizable Windows launcher that brings apps, files, commands, and plugins into search.
- File search
- Plugin support
- Command launching
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Flow Launcher -
Best forMac users who want keyboard-driven automation
A free Mac launcher that combines keyboard actions, file operations, scripts, and plugins.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Quicksilver -
Best forSimple cross-platform open-source launching
A free, open-source launcher for apps, files, commands, bookmarks, and extensions.
- File search
- Plugin support
- Command launching
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Ueli -
Best forUsers needing broad platform coverage
A free, cross-platform launcher for finding apps, files, and web searches by keyboard.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Launchy -
Best forWindows users wanting a modern free launcher
A free, open-source Windows launcher with built-in search, commands, bookmarks, and extensions.
- File search
- Plugin support
- Command launching
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit Microsoft -
Best forWindows command-and-workflow users
A customizable Windows launcher that combines search, commands, and multi-action workflows.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Command launching
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit Executor -
Best forDevelopers launching local open-source apps
A cross-platform launcher for local open-source apps, with workflows, plugins, and automation.
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
- Command launching
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Pinokio -
Best forWindows users who want a free macro launcher
A free Windows launcher that combines local search, clipboard tools, and macros.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Keybreeze -
Best forWindows users managing portable applications
A free Windows launcher built around portable apps, custom menus, and command automation.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit UGMFree -
Best forLinux users who prefer keyboard-driven workflows
A free, open-source Linux launcher that combines app search with everyday desktop actions.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Walker -
Best forLinux users wanting a keyboard-first launcher
A free, open-source Linux launcher with search, scripts, accelerators, and plugins.
- File search
- Workflow support
- Plugin support
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Kupfer
Raycast Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Raycast?
Wox: #2 in our App Launcher Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. Wox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.
Is there a free alternative to Raycast?
Yes. Wox, Alfred, LaunchBar, Keypirinha and Flow Launcher have a free plan or a free tier (15 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Raycast alternatives?
AI features are not included in the Free plan; Cloud Sync is limited to paid plans; Paid plans start at $10 per month.
How do I switch from Raycast?
Export your data from Raycast (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Raycast.
How to Switch from Raycast
- Export your data from Raycast (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Raycast.
Raycast vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | File search | Command launching | Workflow support | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raycast | Yes | $10/mo | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 |
| 2 | Wox | Yes | None | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 |
| 3 | Alfred | Yes | £34 one-time | Macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.9 |
| 4 | LaunchBar | Yes | — | Macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 5 | Keypirinha | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 |
| 6 | Flow Launcher | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | — | 8.6 |
| 7 | Quicksilver | Yes | None | Macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 8 | Ueli | Yes | None | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | — | 8.4 |
| 9 | Launchy | Yes | None | Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 |
| 10 | PowerToys Command Palette | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | — | 8.2 |
| 11 | Executor | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.1 |
| 12 | Pinokio | Yes | None | Cross-platform | — | Yes | Yes | 8.0 |
| 13 | Keybreeze | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 14 | SyMenu | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 |
| 15 | Walker | Yes | None | Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.7 |
| 16 | Kupfer | Yes | None | Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.6 |
Head-to-Head
- Raycast vs Wox
- Raycast vs Alfred
- Raycast vs LaunchBar
- Raycast vs Keypirinha
- Raycast vs Flow Launcher
- Raycast vs Quicksilver
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update