Ranking
Best App Launchers in 2026
App launchers open apps, files and web searches from a keyboard shortcut. They differ mostly in platform, extensions and price. This ranking weighs search and extensions first, then platform reach, openness and cost.
The ranking
- Top pick
Raycast92.0 - Best with a free plan
Alfred90.5 - Best open source
Microsoft PowerToys88.5
- 1
Raycast
The most capable launcher here for people on both Mac and Windows, with an extension store and a free plan for personal and organizational use. AI and cloud sync sit behind the Pro plan.
Best for Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan
macOSWindowsFree plan, paid upgrades
- 2
Alfred
A Mac launcher with hotkeys, keywords and text expansion, and an app search that learns which results you pick. Its workflows need the paid Powerpack, and it runs on macOS only.
Best for Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search
macOSFree plan, paid upgrades
- 3
Microsoft PowerToys
Free, open-source and MIT licensed, with PowerToys Run as the launcher in Microsoft's utilities suite. It works on Windows only, and the launcher is one module among several tools.
Best for Windows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher
WindowsFree and open sourceOpen source
- 4
LaunchBar
A Mac launcher with a single keyboard shortcut, web searches, clipboard history and a snippet manager. It is free to use after its 30-day trial, though break reminders appear during free use.
Best for Mac users who want clipboard history inside the launcher
macOSFree
- 5
Flow Launcher
A free, MIT-licensed Windows launcher that searches files through Everything or Windows Search, along with bookmarks, Windows settings and the web. Plugin quality varies because each plugin is community-made.
Best for Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins
WindowsFree and open sourceOpen source
- 6
Ulauncher
The Linux launcher in this list, with fuzzy app search, a directory browser and extensions under GPL-3.0-or-later. It runs on Linux only, so it does not cover Mac or Windows.
Best for Linux desktop users who want fast app search
LinuxFree and open sourceOpen source
- 7
Keypirinha
A freeware Windows launcher with no ads, no nag screen and no time limit, aimed at keyboard users. Its site describes a steep learning curve, and it does not describe the program as open source.
Best for Keyboard-first Windows users who accept a steeper setup
WindowsFree
At a glance
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raycast | 92.0 | Free plan, paid upgrades | macOSWindows |
| Alfred | 90.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | macOS |
| Microsoft PowerToys | 88.5 | Free and open source | Windows |
 LaunchBar | 85.0 | Free | macOS |
 Flow Launcher | 84.0 | Free and open source | Windows |
 Ulauncher | 81.0 | Free and open source | Linux |
 Keypirinha | 74.5 | Free | Windows |
How to choose app launchers
- Platform
- Pick by operating system first: Alfred and LaunchBar for Mac, Ulauncher for Linux, and Flow Launcher, Keypirinha or PowerToys Run for Windows. Raycast covers Mac and Windows.
- Extensions
- Raycast has an extension store, Flow Launcher relies on community plugins, and Alfred's workflows need the paid Powerpack.
- Cost
- PowerToys Run, Flow Launcher and Ulauncher are free and open source, while Alfred's Powerpack is a paid license.
- Clipboard
- LaunchBar includes a clipboard history and snippet manager, so Mac users may not need a separate clipboard tool.
What the scores weigh
- Search quality and speed
- Extensions and automation
- Platform coverage
- Price and license
- Openness and maintenance
Scores are editorial, from 0 to 100, and use these criteria. Full method · Disclosure
About app launchers
A launcher replaces the mouse hunt for an app or file. The tools here take a keyboard shortcut, then find apps, files, bookmarks or web results. Most of them also run commands or extensions.
Platforms split the list. Alfred and LaunchBar are Mac apps, Raycast runs on Mac and Windows, and PowerToys Run, Flow Launcher and Keypirinha are Windows tools. Ulauncher is the Linux option. Raycast and Alfred both sell paid tiers for extras, while LaunchBar is free to use after its trial, with break reminders.
PowerToys Run and Flow Launcher are free and open source under MIT, and Ulauncher is open source under GPL-3.0-or-later. Keypirinha is freeware, and its site does not describe it as open source. The scores are editorial judgments against the criteria, not measurements.
Frequently asked questions
- Which launcher is best on a Mac?
- Raycast and Alfred lead for Mac. Raycast is free for personal use with a Pro plan for AI and sync, while Alfred's core app is free and the Powerpack is paid.
- Is there a free launcher for Windows?
- Yes. PowerToys Run, Flow Launcher and Keypirinha are all free, and PowerToys Run and Flow Launcher are open source under MIT.
- What is the best launcher for Linux?
- Ulauncher is the launcher in this list built for Linux. It is free and open source under GPL-3.0-or-later and installs from the AUR and Fedora packages.
- Do launchers include clipboard history?
- LaunchBar includes a clipboard history and snippet manager on Mac. The other launchers here do not describe clipboard history on their sites, so check their feature pages.