xStarter
xStarter: A low-cost Windows task automator with broad desktop actions and a legacy release. Ranked #31 of 35 in Task Automation Software by our editors (5.7/10); pricing: 30-day trial; best for affordable Windows scheduled task automation.
At a glance
- Editor score5.7 / 10
- Pricing30-day trial
- Best forAffordable Windows scheduled task automation
- Free planNo
- Paid from$39.50 one-time
- Desktop supportWindows
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- One-time $39.50 license with a 30-day free trial
- Combines schedules, event triggers, macros, files, email, FTP, and HTTP
- Compiles tasks into distributable executable files
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform coverage
- The listed release dates to July 19, 2009
- No free plan; licensing is paid only
Our verdict on xStarter
xStarter is Windows desktop software for automating repetitive computer operations without programming. It suits users who need scheduled or event-driven task execution, file and folder handling, Windows macro playback, network file actions, or program and service control in one desktop tool. Tasks can run at specific times or regular intervals, from hotkeys, or after events such as file changes, window activity, and Windows NT event-log records. Conditional branches support more structured action lists than simple time-based scheduling.
Pricing is straightforward: the xStarter standard plan costs $39.50 USD as a one-time license, and a 30-day free trial is available. The published plan highlights include Windows task scheduling, file and folder automation, Windows macro recording and playback, plus email, FTP, and HTTP actions. The feature set also covers copying, moving, synchronization, ZIP archiving, launching and controlling programs and Windows services, and compiling tasks into distributable executable files. That combination gives the standard plan a broad range of desktop automation capabilities without a recurring price described here.
The main trade-off is platform and product age. xStarter is verified for Windows, so it is a poor fit for teams that require macOS, Linux, or cross-platform automation. The vendor lists release 1.9.3.85, dated July 19, 2009, which makes the product more appropriate for buyers seeking established legacy Windows task automation than for those prioritizing a recent release. Choose xStarter when a one-time license, desktop triggers, macro recording, and file or network actions match the workflow. Choose an alternative when current platform coverage or a newer release is central to the purchase.
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xStarter pricing
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xStarter fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $39.50 one-time |
| Desktop support | Windows |
| Scheduled runs | Yes |
| App triggers | Yes |
| Browser automation | Not verified |
| Desktop recorder | Yes |
| Monthly run limit | Not verified |
| Workflow step limit | Not verified |
| Free trial | 30 days |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | 30-day trial (source) |
| Website | xstarter.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to xStarter
- ZapierA broad workflow automation platform with more than 9,000 app integrations.9.3
- MakeA flexible no-code automation platform with multi-step workflows and a free entry plan.9.2
- Microsoft Power AutomateA broad automation suite for Microsoft environments, with paid plans starting at $15 per user monthly.9.0
See all xStarter alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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