Comparison · App launchers

Flow Launcher vs Wox: which is better in 2026?

Wox ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#4 against #6, score 86.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 84.0
    Editorial score
    86.5
  • 1
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

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 Wox if you want

Cross-platform users who want an open-source launcher.

The only launcher in this list that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, under GPL-3.0 with GPU rendering. Its main product reference is the GitHub README, and feature depth needs checking against your own workflow.

The main differences

  • Only Wox runs on Linux.
  • Only Wox runs on macOS.

Side by side

Flow LauncherWox
Score84.086.5
Rank in list#6 of 10#4 of 10
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under MITFree and open sourceFree GPL-3.0 launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWindowsWindowsWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forWindows users who want an open-source launcher with pluginsCross-platform users who want an open-source launcher
Strengths
  • Free and MIT licensed
  • Searches files through Everything or Windows Search
  • GPL-3.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
  • Windows only
  • Plugin quality varies between contributors
  • The GitHub README is the main product reference
  • Feature depth needs checking against your own workflow
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Flow Launcher vs Wox

Is Wox better than Flow Launcher?
Wox ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#4 against #6, score 86.5 against 84.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Flow Launcher is best for: Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins. Wox is best for: cross-platform users who want an open-source launcher.
Which is cheaper, Flow Launcher or Wox?
Flow Launcher: Free and open source under MIT. Wox: Free GPL-3.0 launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Do Flow Launcher and Wox run on the same platforms?
Flow Launcher supports Windows. Wox supports Windows, macOS, Linux.