In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying productive is more important than ever. Alfred, a popular macOS productivity tool, has long been favored for its ability to streamline tasks with custom workflows, hotkeys, and app launching features. However, Alfred is limited to macOS and has a steep learning curve for some users. Whether you’re a Windows user, looking for cross-platform options, or simply want a fresh set of features, it’s worth exploring alternatives that can match or even exceed Alfred’s capabilities.
This guide highlights 10 top Alfred alternatives that can help you boost your productivity, regardless of your operating system. From intelligent search tools to powerful automation apps, these alternatives offer a variety of features designed to simplify your workflow, save time, and keep you focused.
What Should You Look for in Alfred Alternatives?
When evaluating alternatives to Alfred, it’s essential to consider what features matter most to your workflow. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
Cross-Platform Compatibility
If you’re not exclusively a Mac user, look for tools that work on Windows or Linux as well.Customization and Automation
Productivity tools should allow for custom scripts, hotkeys, and integrations to automate repetitive tasks.Speed and Responsiveness
A good launcher should be lightweight and quick, enabling you to access files, apps, and web results instantly.User Interface and Ease of Use
A clean, intuitive interface can make a huge difference in how quickly you adapt to the tool.Plugin or Extension Support
The ability to extend functionality with plugins or community-created tools can significantly enhance productivity.Clipboard Management
Tools with clipboard history or snippet support can save time and reduce errors.Price and Licensing
Depending on your budget, you might prefer open-source, free options, or be willing to invest in premium features.
Choosing the right Alfred alternative depends on your system preferences, workflow needs, and desired features. The following tools on our list are among the best options currently available.
The 10 Best Alfred Alternatives to Use
1. Wox
Wox is a powerful Windows application launcher that provides instant search results as you type. With its minimalist interface and fast performance, Wox makes it easy to open files, launch apps, and access web content without lifting your fingers off the keyboard. It also supports plugins for extended functionality.
Best Features:
Fast and responsive real-time search
Customizable themes and UI
Extensive plugin support via a growing community
Clipboard history support
File and app launcher with fuzzy search
Limitations:
Only available for Windows
Occasional stability issues with some plugins
Lacks advanced automation workflows like Alfred
Pricing:
Free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.3/5 on GitHub (based on user feedback and community engagement)
2. Listary
Listary is a lightweight search utility for Windows designed to improve file navigation and launching. It integrates directly into Windows File Explorer and supports a wide range of third-party apps, offering instant access to files, folders, and programs with just a few keystrokes.
Best Features:
Seamless integration with Windows Explorer
Quick file search and launch
Favorite folders and recent file tracking
Supports custom keywords and hotkeys
Intuitive and non-intrusive UI
Limitations:
Windows-only platform
Free version lacks advanced features
No plugin or scripting system
Pricing:
Free version available
Pro license: $19.95 (one-time payment)
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.6/5 on Capterra
Users appreciate its speed and seamless integration, though some desire more customization features.
3. Cerebro
Cerebro is an open-source productivity tool for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It blends search, launcher, and extension capabilities into one platform. Inspired by Alfred, Cerebro focuses on visual appeal and plugin-based extensibility to enhance workflow across different operating systems.
Best Features:
Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Plugin architecture for added features
Google search integration
Clipboard management and file previews
Minimalist and stylish interface
Limitations:
Limited plugin ecosystem compared to Alfred
Some stability issues on Linux
Development progress can be slow at times
Pricing:
Completely free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.2/5 on GitHub
Praised for its modern look and simplicity, but users report occasional performance issues.
4. Ueli
Ueli is a sleek, minimalist desktop application launcher for Windows and macOS. It runs quietly in the background and allows users to search for files, applications, and perform quick calculations. Its modular design makes it easy to extend via built-in plugins without bloating the interface.
Best Features:
Cross-platform (Windows and macOS)
Plugin-based architecture for added features
Minimal design and user-friendly UI
System commands (shutdown, restart, etc.)
Built-in calculator and file search
Limitations:
Plugin system is less extensive than Alfred or Wox
Lacks advanced workflow automation
No native clipboard manager
Pricing:
Completely free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.4/5 on GitHub
Users love its clean design and simplicity, though some want deeper integrations and workflow features.
5. Raycast
Raycast is a macOS-only productivity tool designed for speed and team efficiency. It combines the core features of Alfred with built-in support for extensions, scripting, and integration with tools like GitHub, Slack, and Jira. Raycast is aimed at developers, designers, and remote teams.
Best Features:
Smooth macOS integration and fast UI
Built-in extensions for popular dev tools
Script commands for advanced automation
Collaboration features and shared commands
Clipboard manager and window management
Limitations:
macOS-only
Still growing its extension library
May be overkill for casual users
Pricing:
Free for personal use
Team plans available (custom pricing)
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.8/5 on Product Hunt
Highly rated for speed, innovation, and modern UX. Widely recommended among tech professionals.
6. Quicksilver
Quicksilver is one of the original macOS app launchers and has been around since before Alfred. It focuses on letting users perform complex tasks via quick keyboard commands, such as moving files, emailing content, and launching applications. It’s especially suited to keyboard-centric power users.
Best Features:
Lightweight and keyboard-driven interface
Extensive action system (move, copy, open, email)
Plugin support for extended features
Adaptive search for faster results
Long history of community contributions
Limitations:
macOS-only
Outdated UI compared to modern alternatives
Less active development in recent years
Pricing:
Completely free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.1/5 on SourceForge
Appreciated by long-time macOS users for its power and legacy, but considered outdated by today’s standards.
7. Clipy
Clipy is a lightweight clipboard extension utility for macOS. It’s designed to improve productivity by expanding clipboard history functionality, allowing users to store, access, and reuse multiple items copied to the clipboard.
Best Features:
Clipboard history with easy access
Snippet management for commonly used text
Simple, clean interface with macOS-native look
Fast and responsive performance
Supports keyboard shortcuts for quick pasting
Limitations:
macOS-only
Limited to clipboard management (no launcher or workflow features)
Rare updates and minimal active development
Pricing:
Completely free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.3/5 on GitHub
Users enjoy its simplicity and clipboard efficiency, but power users may want more features.
8. AutoHotkey
AutoHotkey is a powerful Windows scripting language designed to automate repetitive tasks. While not a launcher in the traditional sense, it can create custom hotkeys, automate keystrokes and mouse clicks, and build complex workflows—making it a strong Alfred alternative for automation enthusiasts.
Best Features:
Full scripting support for automation
Create custom hotkeys and macros
Automate tasks across software and system
Extensive user community and script library
Lightweight and fast
Limitations:
Steep learning curve for non-coders
Only available on Windows
Not visually intuitive or beginner-friendly
Pricing:
Completely free and open-source
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.7/5 on SourceForge
Loved for its flexibility and power, though users often cite difficulty in learning scripting syntax.
9. Agent Ransack
Agent Ransack is a fast, efficient desktop search tool for Windows. It specializes in finding files and content within files with advanced search parameters, making it ideal for users needing robust search capability beyond what’s built into Windows.
Best Features:
Lightning-fast file and content search
Search within text, PDFs, and Office documents
RegEx support for advanced queries
Intuitive UI with preview capabilities
Available for commercial and personal use
Limitations:
Windows-only
Not a full productivity suite (focuses only on search)
UI can feel dated
Pricing:
Free for personal use
Commercial version available (FileLocator Pro)
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.6/5 on Capterra
Highly rated for speed and deep search functionality, especially by IT professionals and developers.
10. Algolia
Algolia is a powerful hosted search API service designed for developers. While it’s not a local desktop launcher like Alfred, Algolia powers instant search experiences across apps and websites, making it an enterprise-grade alternative when building custom productivity or internal tools.
Best Features:
Real-time search indexing and filtering
AI-powered search relevance
Multi-language support and typo tolerance
Analytics and A/B testing features
Highly scalable and developer-friendly API
Limitations:
Requires technical expertise to set up and integrate
Not a standalone launcher—needs a front-end interface
Can become expensive for large-scale use
Pricing:
Free tier available
Paid plans start at $1 per 1,000 search requests per month
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.7/5 on G2
Praised for its speed, flexibility, and enterprise reliability—ideal for custom solutions, not individual users.
Other Productivity Tools
While Alfred and its alternatives offer a range of impressive features, Corexta stands out as a complete productivity ecosystem that goes far beyond what a traditional launcher or automation tool can offer. Whether you’re managing tasks, collaborating with teams, or streamlining daily workflows, Corexta brings everything together in one powerful platform.
Best Features:
All-in-One Dashboard: Combine project management, time tracking, task assignment, and communication in one unified interface.
AI-Powered Automation: Automate repetitive tasks across tools and departments with intelligent workflows.
Team Collaboration: Real-time messaging, file sharing, and task updates that keep your team aligned and efficient.
Cross-Platform Support: Works seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.
Customizable Workspaces: Tailor dashboards and views to match your personal or team productivity style.
Limitations:
May require a brief onboarding period for users transitioning from simpler tools
Premium features may be overwhelming for casual or solo users
Pricing:
Free Plan: Includes basic task management and collaboration tools
Pro Plan: Starts at $9/month per user, unlocking advanced automation, integrations, and team analytics
Enterprise Solutions: Custom pricing based on team size and needs
Ratings and Reviews:
⭐ 4.8/5 on G2
⭐ 4.7/5 on Capterra
Users rave about Corexta’s versatility and time-saving features, especially for remote teams and digital-first businesses.
Why Corexta is the Best Solution Compared to Alfred and Its Alternatives
Corexta doesn’t just help you launch apps or search your system—it helps you run your day. While Alfred, Raycast, Wox, and others are excellent at what they do, Corexta combines their best elements (automation, customization, speed, and collaboration) into a robust platform designed for modern productivity.
If you’re ready to go beyond simple launchers and search tools, Corexta offers a scalable solution to manage projects, tasks, and team workflows—all in one place.
Sign up for a free Corexta account to streamline your workdays!
