Raycast combines keyboard access to productivity tools and workflows on macOS and Windows.
Free plan Free trial From $96 a year iPhone & iPadWindowsMacBrowser extensionAPI
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Best App Launchers 2026
Facts read 30 Sep 2026 – 19 Oct 2026
Raycast leads this list of 40 (record score 8.4, free plan). Launchy is next (record score 8.1, free plan), and PortableApps.com Platform is the next highest-placed with a free plan (record score 8.0).
App launchers open apps or provide a way to start them from a desktop or device. Compare supported platforms, whether a free plan or trial is available, and what the maker publishes about the tool.
The standings: top 10
| Name | In a line | Record score | Price from | Try it free | Runs on | Facts read |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Raycast | Raycast combines keyboard access to productivity tools and workflows on macOS and Windows. | 8.4 | $96 a year | Free plan | iPhone & iPad, Windows, Mac, Browser extension | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 02 Launchy | Launchy indexes programs and opens documents, folders, project files, and bookmarks on desktop platforms. | 8.1 | Free plan | Free plan | Android, Windows, Mac, Linux | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 03 PortableApps.com Platform | PortableApps.com Platform lets you assemble apps for a synced folder, PC, or USB drive on Windows, macOS, and Linux. | 8.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 04 Alfred | Alfred suits Mac users who want keyboard-driven app launching and file search, with Powerpack options for automation, clipboard history, and file actions. | 7.8 | £34 one-time | Free plan | iPhone & iPad, Mac, API | 14 Oct 2026 |
| 05 Dropzone | Dropzone handles file transfers, app launches, and service connections on macOS through drag-and-drop actions. | 7.5 | Free plan | Free plan | Mac, API | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 06 Cerebro | Cerebro searches local files and the internet through a plugin-based launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. | 7.0 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 11 Oct 2026 |
| 07 bemenu | bemenu provides a dmenu-inspired menu library and client programs for Linux and macOS, with curses, X11, and Wayland backends. | 6.9 | Free plan | Free plan | Mac, Linux | 10 Oct 2026 |
| 08 Ueli | Ueli is a cross-platform keystroke launcher that finds items and offers actions for search results. | 6.8 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3 Oct 2026 |
| 09 dmenu | dmenu is a dynamic menu for X that handles large numbers of user-defined items. | 6.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Mac, Linux, Self-hosted | 15 Oct 2026 |
| 10 Executor | Executor runs Windows workflows, where a command or hotkey can start several applications, files, or other actions. | 6.6 | Free plan | Free plan | Windows, Self-hosted | 19 Oct 2026 |
The page’s record score weighs maker-published information, Android availability, a free way to try, and how fresh the facts are.
02
Launchy
Launchy indexes programs and opens documents, folders, project files, and bookmarks on desktop platforms.
AndroidWindowsMac+2 Record8.1 Visit
03
PortableApps.com Platform
PortableApps.com Platform lets you assemble apps for a synced folder, PC, or USB drive on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
WindowsMacLinux Record8.0 Visit
04
Alfred
Alfred suits Mac users who want keyboard-driven app launching and file search, with Powerpack options for automation, clipboard history, and file actions.
iPhone & iPadMacAPI Record7.8 Visit
05
Dropzone
Dropzone handles file transfers, app launches, and service connections on macOS through drag-and-drop actions.
MacAPI Record7.5 Visit
6
Cerebro
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record7.0 Visit Cerebro searches local files and the internet through a plugin-based launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
7
bemenu
MacLinux Free plan Record6.9 Visit bemenu provides a dmenu-inspired menu library and client programs for Linux and macOS, with curses, X11, and Wayland backends.
8
Ueli
WindowsMacLinux Free plan Record6.8 Visit Ueli is a cross-platform keystroke launcher that finds items and offers actions for search results.
9
dmenu
MacLinuxSelf-hosted Free plan Record6.6 Visit dmenu is a dynamic menu for X that handles large numbers of user-defined items.
10
Executor
WindowsSelf-hosted Free plan Record6.6 Visit Executor runs Windows workflows, where a command or hotkey can start several applications, files, or other actions.
11
Rofi
MacLinux Free plan Record6.3 Visit Rofi is a Linux and macOS window switcher and launcher with modes for apps, SSH, and other workflows.
12
Appetizer
WindowsAPISelf-hosted Free plan Record6.3 Visit Appetizer is a customizable Windows dock for organizing application shortcuts and folders.
13
True Launch Bar
Windows $19.90 one-time Record6.2 Visit True Launch Bar replaces Windows Quick Launch with customizable taskbar menus for shortcuts and files.
14
Flow Launcher
Windows Free plan Record5.9 Visit Flow Launcher searches and launches apps and files on Windows, and can search the web.
16
Keypirinha
Windows Free plan Record5.7 Visit Keypirinha finds Windows apps, files, URLs, bookmarks, sessions, and registry keys through a plugin-based launcher.
17
PowerToys Command Palette
Windows Free plan Record5.7 Visit PowerToys Command Palette searches files and the web, runs commands, and opens Windows tools from a customizable interface.
18
Winstep Nexus Dock
Windows $12.95 one-time Record5.7 Visit Nexus Dock puts shortcuts to programs, files, and commands on a Windows dock.
19
SlickRun
Windows Free plan Record5.5 Visit SlickRun gives Windows users a floating command line for opening programs and websites, including through MagicWords aliases.
20
SyMenu
Windows Free plan Record5.4 Visit SyMenu indexes PC applications and runs from Windows computers or removable media, including USB drives.
21
Ulauncher
Linux Free plan Record5.3 Visit Ulauncher finds Linux applications with fuzzy matching and supports custom themes, shortcuts, and community extensions.
22
Walker
Linux Free plan Record5.1 Visit Walker is a customizable app launcher for Linux desktops that can run apps and shell commands.
23
ADW Launcher
Android Free plan Record5.1 Visit ADW Launcher 2 is an Android launcher for customizing the home screen, icons, widgets, and gestures.
24
Cairo-Dock
Linux Free plan Record4.8 Visit Cairo-Dock provides docks, desklets, and panels for Linux desktops.
25
GiMeSpace QuickMenu
Windows Free plan Record4.8 Visit QuickMenu opens a Windows menu at the cursor to launch programs and switch tasks.
Before you choose
Which platforms does the launcher need to run on?
Start with the operating system you use. The list includes launchers for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, along with API and self-hosted options.
For example, Raycast and Alfred are options to compare for macOS, while PortableApps.com Platform and Launchy are among the Windows options. Check the maker’s page for the platform you need.
Can I use an app launcher for free?
A free plan is available for many launchers in this list. Examples include PortableApps.com Platform, Launchy and Ueli.
Some listings show a freemium model or a trial alongside a free plan. Check the maker’s terms to understand what is included and whether paid features matter to you.
How do I check whether a launcher is open source?
Look for an open-source label and review the project’s license before relying on it. bemenu and dmenu are listed as open source.
Open-source status is separate from platform support and cost, so confirm those details on the maker’s page too.
Should I look for a free trial before choosing?
A trial can give you a time-limited way to try a launcher before paying. Raycast lists a seven-day trial, and Dropzone lists a 14-day trial.
Confirm the trial terms with the maker, including what happens when it ends.
Questions
What does an app launcher do?
An app launcher provides a way to open or start apps from a desktop or device.
Which app launchers work on Windows?
The list includes Windows options such as PortableApps.com Platform and Launchy. Check the maker’s page to confirm current platform support.
Are there free app launchers?
Yes. Listings include free plans, including PortableApps.com Platform, Launchy and Ueli. Check the maker’s page for terms and available features.
Which app launchers are open source?
bemenu and dmenu are listed as open source. Review the project’s license and current details before choosing.
Do app launchers offer free trials?
Some listings show trials. Raycast lists a seven-day trial, and Dropzone lists a 14-day trial; check the maker’s terms.
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