Side by side
Launchy vs Raycast
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 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.
Visit RaycastThe facts
| Launchy | Raycast | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Runs on | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Windows | API, Extension, iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Raycast Pro: $96 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 20 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | launchy.net | raycast.com |
| On app launchers | #1 of 40 | #5 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.
Raycast: what it does well
- Launcher provides keyboard access to built-in tools and workflows.
- Store offers community extensions and named integrations.
- Extension API supports custom integrations.
- Pro includes cloud sync and unlimited Clipboard History and Notes.
- Available on macOS, Windows, iOS and iPadOS.
What to know first
- Not currently available on Android.
- Free plan limits Clipboard History to three months.
- Free plan includes only five Notes.
- Pro costs $10 per month.
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