Free and open first

Best App Launchers in 2026

40 apps
Research read 15 Oct 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Launchy

Free plan Open source AndroidAPILinux+2

Launchy brings program and file launching into a keyboard-driven search, with skins, plugins, and a portable mode.

9.3 Free plan Visit site
2

PortableApps.com Platform

Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

PortableApps.com Platform brings app selection, organization, updates, and backup tools into a portable suite.

9.1 Free plan Visit site
3

dmenu

Free plan Open source LinuxMacSelf-hosted

dmenu offers a focused menu for Linux’s X environment, with command launching and community scripts extending its uses.

8.9 Free plan Visit site
4

Executor

Free plan Open source Self-hostedWindows

Executor combines customizable launching with small built-in utilities in a free Windows application. Check the installer warning and Windows requirement before choosing it.

8.7 Free plan Visit site
5

Raycast

Free plan APIExtensioniPhone+2

Raycast brings built-in tools, extensions and AI features into a keyboard-focused launcher. The free plan has limits on Clipboard History and Notes, while Pro starts at $10 per month.

7.7 Free plan · paid from $10/mo · 7-day trial Visit site
6

Alfred

Free plan APIiPhoneMac

Alfred's free core covers launching and file searches, while Powerpack adds automation and related tools. The Single License covers one user and two of their own Macs for the current version.

7.5 Free plan · paid from £34 Visit site
7

Cerebro

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Cerebro brings common searches and utility actions into a desktop launcher, with plugin support for extending it. Note that the search-engine list includes options not yet implemented.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
8

Ueli

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Ueli offers a keyboard-driven way to search and launch items, with Favorites and configurable extensions across three operating systems.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
9

Appetizer

Free plan APISelf-hostedWindows

Appetizer combines shortcut organization, launch controls, and dock customization in a free Windows application. Check the listed Windows versions and plugin restart requirement before choosing it.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
10

bemenu

Free plan LinuxMac

bemenu offers several backend build targets and configurable keyboard behavior, with licensing that differs between the client and library.

7.3 Open source Visit site
11

Rofi

Free plan LinuxMac

Rofi brings several launcher and menu workflows into one configurable utility, including a script mode that can replace dmenu.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
12

Dropzone

Free plan APIMac

Choose Dropzone if you use a Mac and want configurable drag-and-drop file actions, a temporary file shelf, and command-line workflow controls.

7.2 Free plan · 14-day trial Visit site
13

foot

Free plan Linux

foot offers a focused Wayland terminal with configurable display and navigation features. Its Wayland-only scope and build requirements are worth considering before installation.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
14

Ulauncher

Free plan Linux

Choose Ulauncher if you use Linux and want a free launcher with fuzzy app search, shortcuts, themes, and extensions.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
15

ADW Launcher

Free plan Android

Choose ADW Launcher 2 if you want an Android home-screen launcher with extensive listed customization and widget tools. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Android or cloud sync.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
16

Cairo-Dock

Free plan Linux

Pick Cairo-Dock for a free, open-source Linux interface that can be extensively customized with applets and plug-ins. Its DBus and keyboard controls add alternate ways to operate the dock.

7.0 Open source Visit site
17

Flow Launcher

Free plan Windows

Flow Launcher brings app, file, and web search together with built-in system tools and a plugin store. It is free and open source, but its listed platform support is limited to Windows 10 and later.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
18

GiMeSpace QuickMenu

Free plan Windows

Choose GiMeSpace QuickMenu if you want a cursor-activated Windows menu for task switching and custom shortcuts.

6.9 From 23 AUD · 30-day trial Visit site
19

Keybreeze

Free plan Windows

Keybreeze combines launching, search, text insertion, and macro functions in a free Windows utility.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
20

Keypirinha

Free plan Windows

Keypirinha offers a broad launcher and utility set through a configurable, plugin-based design.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
21

KISS Launcher

Free plan Android

Choose KISS if you want a free Android launcher centered on app and contact search, with local data and GPL licensing.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
22

Pinokio

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pinokio combines app discovery, local execution, version management, and script automation in one desktop launcher.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
23

PowerToys Command Palette

Free plan Windows

Choose PowerToys Command Palette if you want a free Windows launcher that combines search, commands, system tools, bookmarks, and extensions. Look elsewhere if you need a platform other than Windows.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
24

PStart

Free plan Windows

PStart brings portable and local application shortcuts, search, notes and reminders into a Windows tray menu.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
25

Quicksilver

Free plan Mac

Quicksilver combines keyboard control, file actions, workflows, and extensive plugin support in a free macOS application.

6.7 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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