Is Raycast better than Alfred?

Raycast ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#1 against #2, score 92.0 against 90.5), 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. Raycast is best for: Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan.

Which is cheaper, Alfred or Raycast?

Alfred: Free core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows. Raycast: Free for personal use; Pro adds AI, cloud sync and themes.

Do Alfred and Raycast run on the same platforms?

Alfred supports macOS. Raycast supports macOS, Windows.

Comparison · App launchers

Alfred vs Raycast: which is better in 2026?

Alfred90.5#2 in best app launchers

Raycast92.0#1 in best app launchers

Raycast ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#1 against #2, score 92.0 against 90.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

90.5
Editorial score
92.0
1
Platforms
2
Yes
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
No

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 Raycast if you want

Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan.

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.

The main differences

Only Raycast runs on Windows.

Side by side

	Alfred	Raycast
Score	90.5	92.0
Rank in list	#2 of 10	#1 of 10
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows	Free plan, paid upgradesFree for personal use; Pro adds AI, cloud sync and themes
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	No
Platforms	macOSmacOS	macOSWindowsmacOS, Windows
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Best for	Mac users who want keyword workflows and fast app search	Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan
Strengths	Learns from your choices to rank results Hotkeys, keywords and text expansion	Free plan for personal and organizational use Extensions built with web development skills
Limits	Workflows need the paid Powerpack Runs on macOS only	AI and sync features need the Pro plan Extension quality depends on each developer
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Alfred vs Raycast

Is Raycast better than Alfred?: Raycast ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#1 against #2, score 92.0 against 90.5), 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. Raycast is best for: Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan.
Which is cheaper, Alfred or Raycast?: Alfred: Free core app; Powerpack is a paid license for workflows. Raycast: Free for personal use; Pro adds AI, cloud sync and themes.
Do Alfred and Raycast run on the same platforms?: Alfred supports macOS. Raycast supports macOS, Windows.