Side by side
Launchy vs PortableApps.com Platform
Both stand on app launchers. 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 AndroidAPILinux+2
Launchy brings program and file launching into a keyboard-driven search, with skins, plugins, and a portable mode. Its calculator is limited to basic operations, and third-party plugins come without a functionality guarantee.
Visit Launchy Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows
PortableApps.com Platform brings app selection, organization, updates, and backup tools into a portable suite. Users should check app-format limitations and platform requirements before relying on it across computers.
Visit PortableApps.com PlatformThe facts
| Launchy | PortableApps.com Platform | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | launchy.net | portableapps.com |
| On app launchers | #1 of 40 | #2 of 40 |
Launchy: what it does well
- Indexes start-menu programs and user-selected directories.
- Opens files, folders, websites, and programs by search.
- Supports customizable skins and a plugin architecture.
- Portable mode stores configuration alongside the application.
What to know first
- Calcy handles only basic arithmetic and parentheses.
- Plugin developers are third parties; functionality is not guaranteed.
- Binary-compatible plugin development requires Visual Studio 2005.
PortableApps.com Platform: what it does well
- Built-in store has no download limit.
- Menu supports folders, favorites, and integrated search.
- Updater can preserve settings and saved files.
- Integrated backup and restore are listed.
What to know first
- Linux, Unix, and BSD use requires Wine.
- Mac OS X use requires compatibility software.
- Some apps may be excluded from app-data-only backups.
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