Side by side
Flow Launcher vs MaxLauncher
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 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.
Visit Flow Launcher Free plan Windows
MaxLauncher offers a high-capacity button layout, keyboard launching, and both installed and portable use. Its listed requirements and latest release date are useful considerations for Windows users choosing a launcher.
Visit MaxLauncherThe facts
| Flow Launcher | MaxLauncher | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | flowlauncher.com | maxlauncher.sourceforge.io |
| On start menu customization software | #8 of 39 | #12 of 39 |
Flow Launcher: what it does well
- Customizable hotkey opens search; default is Alt+Space.
- Searches apps, files, file contents, and bookmarks.
- Includes shell commands, a calculator, and settings search.
- Offers installer, portable ZIP, and package-manager downloads.
- Published under the MIT License.
What to know first
- Supports Windows 10 and later only.
- Plugin submissions are subject to a policy excluding prohibited content.
MaxLauncher: what it does well
- Supports up to 300 configurable buttons per data file.
- Favorites bar maps ten buttons to F1–F10.
- Portable ZIP can run from USB or external storage.
- Includes multi-launch and configurable activation hotkeys.
What to know first
- Latest release shown is version 1.31.0.0, dated October 29, 2021.
- Requires Windows; XP users need Microsoft .NET 3.5 or higher.
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