Comparison · App launchers
Flow Launcher vs Microsoft PowerToys: which is better in 2026?
Microsoft PowerToys ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.0).
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.
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.
Side by side
 Flow Launcher |  Microsoft PowerToys | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.0 | 88.5 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 7 | #3 of 7 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree and open source under MIT | Free and open sourceFree and open source under MIT |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WindowsWindows | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Best for | Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins | Windows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Flow Launcher vs Microsoft PowerToys
- Is Microsoft PowerToys better than Flow Launcher?
- Microsoft PowerToys ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#3 against #5, score 88.5 against 84.0). Flow Launcher is best for: windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins. Microsoft PowerToys is best for: windows users who want a free, vendor-backed launcher.
- Which is cheaper, Flow Launcher or Microsoft PowerToys?
- Flow Launcher: Free and open source under MIT. Microsoft PowerToys: Free and open source under MIT.
- Do Flow Launcher and Microsoft PowerToys run on the same platforms?
- Flow Launcher supports Windows. Microsoft PowerToys supports Windows.