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Comparison · App launchers

Alfred vs Microsoft PowerToys: which is better in 2026?

Alfred90.5#2 in best app launchersMicrosoft PowerToys88.5#3 in best app launchers

Alfred ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#2 against #3, score 90.5 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

  • 90.5
    Editorial score
    88.5
  • 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 Microsoft PowerToys if you want

Windows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher.

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.

The main differences

  • Only Microsoft PowerToys runs on Windows.
  • Only Alfred runs on macOS.
  • Microsoft PowerToys is open source; Alfred is not.

Side by side

AlfredMicrosoft PowerToys
Score90.588.5
Rank in list#2 of 7#3 of 7
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflowsFree and open sourceFree and open source under MIT
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsmacOSmacOSWindowsWindows
Made byNot statedMicrosoft
Best forMac users who want keyword workflows and fast app searchWindows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher
Strengths
  • Learns from your choices to rank results
  • Hotkeys, keywords and text expansion
  • Free and open source under MIT
  • PowerToys Run launches apps instantly
Limits
  • Workflows need the paid Powerpack
  • Runs on macOS only
  • Windows only
  • Launcher is one module in a larger utility suite
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Alfred vs Microsoft PowerToys

Is Alfred better than Microsoft PowerToys?
Alfred ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#2 against #3, score 90.5 against 88.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Alfred is best for: mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search. Microsoft PowerToys is best for: windows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher.
Which is cheaper, Alfred or Microsoft PowerToys?
Alfred: Free core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows. Microsoft PowerToys: Free and open source under MIT.
Do Alfred and Microsoft PowerToys run on the same platforms?
Alfred supports macOS. Microsoft PowerToys supports Windows.