Raycast alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Raycast: AI features and sync are locked behind a subscription, and requires an account for sync and team features. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Raycast, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Alfred currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#	App	Pricing	Open source	Platforms	Verified facts	Score
1	Wox	Open source	Yes	Windows, macOS, Linux	4 of 4	55.3

1. WoxTop pick
Best for: People who want the same free launcher on Windows, macOS and Linux
Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux
55.3
score / 100
Why switch from Raycast
Open-source launcher that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with plugins in Node.js or Python.
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 ×0.363
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 Wox a good Raycast 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)

The best Raycast alternative for…

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

Best Raycast alternative for most people

Alfred

The long-standing Mac launcher, sold as a one-off Powerpack licence instead of a subscription.

Best Raycast alternative for a free option

Microsoft PowerToys

On Windows, PowerToys' free Command Palette covers app launching and quick commands.

Best Raycast alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

LaunchBar

An older Mac launcher with deep file browsing and scriptable actions, usable free with occasional pauses.

Best Raycast alternative for open source

Flow Launcher

Free, open-source Windows launcher with a plugin store, no account or subscription.

Best Raycast alternative for Mac

Wox

Open-source launcher that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with plugins in Node.js or Python.

Best Raycast alternative for Windows

Microsoft PowerToys

On Windows, PowerToys' free Command Palette covers app launching and quick commands.

Best Raycast alternative for Linux

Wox

Open-source launcher that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with plugins in Node.js or Python.

Raycast alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Raycast?

Alfred ranks first right now. The long-standing Mac launcher, sold as a one-off Powerpack licence instead of a subscription. LaunchBar and Microsoft PowerToys follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Raycast?

Yes. Alfred (free plan + paid), LaunchBar (free plan + paid), Microsoft PowerToys (open source) and Flow Launcher (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Raycast?

Yes: Microsoft PowerToys, Flow Launcher and Wox.

Which Raycast alternatives work on Linux?

Wox runs on Linux.

Why do people switch from Raycast?

The complaints we hear most: AI features and sync are locked behind a subscription; requires an account for sync and team features; windows version is newer and has fewer extensions.

How is this list ranked?

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