Side by side
Executor vs Starling
Both stand on start menu customization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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.
Visit Executor Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Starling offers a free, open-source desktop environment for a specific Ubuntu target and a Windows shell. Its preview status and unsigned Windows installer are important considerations before installation.
Visit StarlingThe facts
| Executor | Starling | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | executor.dk | starling.build |
| On start menu customization software | #2 of 39 | #6 of 39 |
Executor: what it does well
- Free under the MIT license, including commercial use.
- One command or hotkey can trigger multiple actions.
- Indexes apps, Control Panel items, and custom locations.
- Portable version runs without installation.
- Includes clipboard tools, calculations, and system commands.
What to know first
- Windows 7 or later is required.
- Installer may trigger SmartScreen or Defender warnings.
Starling: what it does well
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
- Linux session includes nine first-party apps
- Runs native Wayland clients and X11 applications
- Windows shell supports Windows 10 and 11
- Installs alongside the existing Linux desktop
What to know first
- Desktop is an early preview with expected bugs
- Linux package target is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS on amd64
- Windows preview installer is unsigned
- First Windows run prompts SmartScreen
Alternatives to Executor Alternatives to Starling The whole list