Ranked 1 of 7 in best app launchers
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.
Best for Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan
About Raycast
Raycast is a launcher that runs commands, searches the web and your open browser tabs, and uses extensions. Extensions are built with web development skills and published in the Raycast Store. The app runs on macOS and Windows.
The FAQ says the free plan is available for personal and organizational use, and that no upgrade is required to use its free features. The Pro plan adds Raycast AI, dictation, cloud sync and custom themes, and eligible new accounts can start a Pro trial. Compared with Alfred, Raycast covers Windows as well as the Mac, and its extension model is its main draw.
Key features
- Extensions store
- Search open browser tabs
- macOS and Windows
- Pro AI and cloud sync
- Custom themes on Pro
Strengths
- Free plan for personal and organizational use
- Extensions built with web development skills
Limits
- AI and sync features need the Pro plan
- Extension quality depends on each developer
Where Raycast ranks
| List | Rank | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best App launchers | 1 of 7 | 92.0 | Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan |
Alternatives to Raycast
All 6 alternatives
AlfredmacOS launcher for apps, files and web searches with hotkeys and keywords
Microsoft PowerToysIs open source.
LaunchBarmacOS launcher with clipboard history, snippets and quick web searches
Flow LauncherIs open source.
UlauncherIs open source; also runs on Linux.
KeypirinhaFreeware keyboard launcher for Windows with no ads or time limit
Questions about Raycast
- Is Raycast free?
- Raycast can be used without paying: Free for personal use; Pro adds AI, cloud sync and themes. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Raycast open source?
- No. Raycast is proprietary software; its source code is not public.
- Which platforms does Raycast support?
- Raycast is available on: macOS, Windows.
- What is Raycast best for?
- Mac and Windows users who want extensions and a free plan. In our ranking of app launchers it is number 1 of 7 with a score of 92.0.
- What are the best alternatives to Raycast?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Alfred, Microsoft PowerToys, LaunchBar, Flow Launcher.