Is Alfred better than Flow Launcher?

Alfred ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#2 against #6, score 90.5 against 84.0). Alfred is best for: Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search. Flow Launcher is best for: Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins.

Which is cheaper, Alfred or Flow Launcher?

Alfred: Free core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows. Flow Launcher: Free and open source under MIT.

Do Alfred and Flow Launcher run on the same platforms?

Alfred supports macOS. Flow Launcher supports Windows.

Alfred vs Flow Launcher: Which Is Better? (2026)

90.5
Editorial score
84.0
1
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Alfred if you want

Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search.

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.

Choose Flow Launcher if you want

Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins.

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.

The main differences

Only Flow Launcher runs on Windows.
Only Alfred runs on macOS.
Flow Launcher is open source; Alfred is not.

Side by side

	Alfred	Flow Launcher
Score	90.5	84.0
Rank in list	#2 of 10	#6 of 10
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows	Free and open sourceFree and open source under MIT
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	Yes
Platforms	macOSmacOS	WindowsWindows
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Best for	Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search	Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins
Strengths	Learns from your choices to rank results Hotkeys, keywords and text expansion	Free and MIT licensed Searches files through Everything or Windows Search
Limits	Workflows need the paid Powerpack Runs on macOS only	Windows only Plugin quality varies between contributors
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Alfred vs Flow Launcher

Is Alfred better than Flow Launcher?: Alfred ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#2 against #6, score 90.5 against 84.0). Alfred is best for: Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search. Flow Launcher is best for: Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins.
Which is cheaper, Alfred or Flow Launcher?: Alfred: Free core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows. Flow Launcher: Free and open source under MIT.
Do Alfred and Flow Launcher run on the same platforms?: Alfred supports macOS. Flow Launcher supports Windows.