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Flow Launcher alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Flow Launcher: windows only, and plugin quality varies. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Flow Launcher, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Microsoft PowerToys currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Wox logoWoxOpen sourceYesWindows, macOS, Linux4 of 462.6
2Albert logoAlbertFreeNoLinux, macOS4 of 455.3
  1. Wox logo

    1. WoxTop pick

    Best for: People who want the same free launcher on Windows, macOS and Linux

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flow Launcher

    Open-source launcher that also runs on macOS and Linux.

    Pros

    • Runs natively on Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Free and open source under GPL-3.0
    • Built-in clipboard history, notes and AI commands
    • Plugins in Node.js, Python or scripts

    Cons

    • v2 rewrite is young and still maturing
    • Smaller plugin library than Raycast or Alfred
    • Fewer ready-made integrations with popular work apps
    Visit Wox Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Wox a good Flow Launcher alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Plugins
    Node.js, Python or scripts
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Memory use
    Around 150 MB
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Albert logo

    2. Albert

    Best for: Linux users who want a very fast launcher with a curated plugin set

    FreeLinux, macOS

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Flow Launcher

    Open-source keyboard launcher with plugins for Linux and macOS, for Flow Launcher users moving off Windows.

    Pros

    • Very fast native C++ app
    • Curated, maintained plugins included
    • Extensions in C++ or Python

    Cons

    • Custom source-available licence, not a standard open-source one
    • No Windows version
    • macOS build is unsigned and installed via Homebrew
    Visit Albert Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Albert a good Flow Launcher alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    License
    Albert license v1.1 (source-available)
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Linux and macOS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab)
    macOS install
    Homebrew tap
    Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux packages
    Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Ubuntu
    Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab)

The best Flow Launcher alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Microsoft PowerToys logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for most people

Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft's free bundle includes the Command Palette launcher plus window zones and key remapping.

Wox logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for a free option

Wox

Open-source launcher that also runs on macOS and Linux.

Listary logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Listary

Lighter launcher centred on instant file search and file dialog switching.

Microsoft PowerToys logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for open source

Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft's free bundle includes the Command Palette launcher plus window zones and key remapping.

Raycast logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for Mac

Raycast

Polished launcher with built-in clipboard history and snippets, now on Windows.

Microsoft PowerToys logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for Windows

Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft's free bundle includes the Command Palette launcher plus window zones and key remapping.

Albert logo

Best Flow Launcher alternative for Linux

Albert

Open-source keyboard launcher with plugins for Linux and macOS, for Flow Launcher users moving off Windows.

Flow Launcher alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Flow Launcher?

Microsoft PowerToys ranks first right now. Microsoft's free bundle includes the Command Palette launcher plus window zones and key remapping. Wox and Listary follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Flow Launcher?

Yes. Microsoft PowerToys (open source), Wox (open source), Listary (free plan + paid) and Raycast (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Flow Launcher?

Yes: Microsoft PowerToys and Wox.

Which Flow Launcher alternatives work on Linux?

Wox and Albert run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Flow Launcher?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; plugin quality varies; no built-in clipboard history or snippets.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Flow Launcher, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.