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PowerToys Command PaletteWox

Best for: Windows users who want a keyboard launcher from Microsoft

Best for: A keyboard launcher that works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux

Free

Free as part of Microsoft PowerToys.

 Free

Free and open source under the GPL.

Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Opens with one shortcut and searches apps, files, commands and the web
  • Extensible and customisable
All 4 strengths
  • Opens with one shortcut and searches apps, files, commands and the web
  • Extensible and customisable
  • Optional compact search box mode
  • Comes with the rest of the PowerToys utilities
  • Fully native with GPU rendering on Windows, macOS and Linux, not Electron
  • Around 150 MB of memory in everyday use, so it can stay resident
All 4 strengths
  • Fully native with GPU rendering on Windows, macOS and Linux, not Electron
  • Around 150 MB of memory in everyday use, so it can stay resident
  • Plugins in Node.js, Python or scripts, with a store to browse them
  • An open-source alternative to Raycast and Alfred that works on all three platforms
  • Windows only
  • Requires PowerToys to be installed and running in the background
  • A much smaller plugin ecosystem than Raycast or Alfred
  • The version 2 rewrite is relatively young, so expect rough edges
All 4 limitations
  • A much smaller plugin ecosystem than Raycast or Alfred
  • The version 2 rewrite is relatively young, so expect rough edges
  • Deep system integrations vary by platform
  • No official mobile or web companion
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: MIT License: GPL-3.0
No account needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked October 1, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.