Instead of Raycast
Raycast alternatives
Raycast combines an extendable launcher with tools for clipboard history, calendars, window management, notes, snippets, quick links, file search and calculations. Its keyboard-focused interface can launch commands and support workflows, while a community Store and extension API add ways to connect other services. Raycast AI includes chat, commands, agents and extensions, and supports models from multiple providers. The free plan limits clipboard history to three months and Notes to five; paid plans start at $10 per month. It runs on macOS, Windows, iOS and iPadOS, but not Android.
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Launchy
Free plan Open source AndroidAPILinux+2Free, hotkey-driven search across files and programs — Launchy indexes programs, files, folders and bookmarks, with a plugin architecture, but does not offer Raycast’s AI or built-in productivity suite.
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Alfred
Free plan APIiPhoneMacMac users building custom workflows — Alfred focuses on Mac launching and Powerpack workflows, clipboard history and file actions, rather than Raycast’s cross-platform availability and built-in AI tools.
- 3
bemenu
Free plan LinuxMacLinux and Mac users wanting a configurable menu — bemenu is a dynamic menu library and client with curses, X11 and Wayland backends, not a broad launcher suite like Raycast.
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Cerebro
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsFree search with in-app results and plugins — Cerebro offers machine and internet search, in-app maps and translations, and a plugin API, while Raycast adds a broader built-in toolset and AI features.
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PortableApps.com Platform
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindowsPortable app suites across devices and drives — PortableApps.com Platform organizes and updates a portable app suite in a cloud folder, local PC or USB drive, rather than serving as a keyboard-first launcher.
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Ueli
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsFree cross-platform keystroke launching — Ueli is a cross-platform keystroke launcher with configurable extensions and favorites, whereas Raycast offers more built-in tools and AI capabilities.
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Appetizer
Free plan APISelf-hostedWindowsOrganizing shortcuts in a Windows dock — Appetizer is a customizable Windows dock for shortcuts and folders, with multi-launch and PortableApps detection, rather than Raycast’s keyboard-focused launcher.
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dmenu
Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted - 9
Executor
Free plan Open source Self-hostedWindows - 10
Rofi
Free plan LinuxMac - 11
Dropzone
Free plan APIMac - 12
foot
Free plan Linux - 13
Ulauncher
Free plan Linux - 14
ADW Launcher
Free plan Android - 15
Cairo-Dock
Free plan Linux - 16
Flow Launcher
Free plan Windows - 17
GiMeSpace QuickMenu
Free plan Windows - 18
Keybreeze
Free plan Windows - 19
Keypirinha
Free plan Windows - 20
KISS Launcher
Free plan Android - 21
Pinokio
Free plan LinuxMacWindows - 22
PowerToys Command Palette
Free plan Windows - 23
PStart
Free plan Windows - 24
Quicksilver
Free plan Mac
A different launcher may suit you if you want a simpler search tool, a menu, or a dock rather than Raycast’s broader collection of tools. Compare desktop support first, then consider whether you depend on AI, extensions, cloud sync or Raycast’s built-in utilities. The alternatives below range from free utilities for opening files and applications to tools for organizing portable apps or Windows shortcuts. Their narrower scope may be a better fit, but may not cover the same mix of workflows and extras.