Wox
Open-source cross-platform launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux
- #4 of 10 in best app launchers
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WindowsmacOSLinux
Ranked 4 of 10 in best app launchers
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.
Best for Cross-platform users who want an open-source launcher
About Wox
Wox is a launcher that opens apps and runs searches from a keyboard shortcut. Its README describes the project as a fully native, open-source launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with GPU rendering, and the source is published on GitHub under GPL-3.0.
The README lists its latest release as v2.4.6 from October 2026. Among the launchers in this list it is the only one that runs on all three desktop systems, while Raycast covers Mac and Windows, Ulauncher covers Linux, and the Windows tools cover Windows. The GitHub README is the main product reference.
Key features
- Windows, macOS and Linux
- GPL-3.0 open source
- GPU rendering
- Plugin-based search
- Keyboard-driven
Strengths
- GPL-3.0 licensed, with source on GitHub
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
Limits
- The GitHub README is the main product reference
- Feature depth needs checking against your own workflow
Where Wox ranks
How Wox compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
#2 Alfred | 90.5 | Free plan, paid upgrades | macOS |
#3 Microsoft PowerToys | 88.5 | Free and open source | Windows |
| #4Wox | 86.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinux |
#5 LaunchBar | 85.0 | Free | macOS |
#6 Flow Launcher | 84.0 | Free and open source | Windows |
The full comparison table for best app launchers has all 10 products.
Alternatives to Wox
All 9 alternatives
RaycastExtensible launcher for macOS and Windows with a free plan- AlfredmacOS launcher for apps, files and web searches with hotkeys and keywords
- Microsoft PowerToysFree open-source Windows utilities, including the PowerToys Run launcher
- LaunchBarmacOS launcher with clipboard history, snippets and quick web searches
- Flow LauncherFree open-source Windows launcher that searches files, apps and bookmarks
UlauncherFree open-source application launcher for Linux with extensions
Questions about Wox
- Is Wox free?
- Wox can be used without paying: Free GPL-3.0 launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is Wox open source?
- Yes. Wox publishes its source code under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Which platforms does Wox support?
- Wox is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- What is Wox best for?
- Cross-platform users who want an open-source launcher. In our ranking of app launchers it is number 4 of 10 with a score of 86.5.
- What are the best alternatives to Wox?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Raycast, Alfred, Microsoft PowerToys, LaunchBar.
Show this ranking on your site
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