Side by side
PStart vs Wofi
Both stand on app launcher 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
PStart brings portable and local application shortcuts, search, notes and reminders into a Windows tray menu. Its portable mode has no uninstaller, so account for manual file removal when you are done.
Visit PStart Free plan Linux
Wofi provides configurable launching and menu behavior for wlroots Wayland desktops. Its modes and search options are broad, but users outside that environment must account for the required window option or risk a crash.
Visit WofiThe facts
| PStart | Wofi | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | pegtop.net | github.com |
| On app launcher software | #22 of 40 | #33 of 40 |
PStart: what it does well
- Runs applications from a USB key or removable disk.
- Relative paths handle changing USB drive letters.
- Includes incremental program search.
- Supports hot keys, mouse sensors and custom folders.
- Freeware with no advertisements or spyware.
What to know first
- Portable installations have no uninstaller.
- Portable-install files must be removed manually.
- The listed platform is Windows only.
Wofi: what it does well
- Free and GPL-3.0 licensed
- Includes run, drun, and dmenu modes
- Supports fuzzy and case-insensitive search
- Offers CSS-based customization
- Can combine multiple modes
What to know first
- Linux and Wayland focused
- Needs --normal-window outside supported layer shell
- Does not provide window switching alone
- Building requires several development dependencies