# Launchers for Mac

> Launch apps, run commands and automate tasks from the keyboard.

From dockpicks (https://dockpicks.com/), a hand-picked, independent directory of Mac apps. Web page: https://dockpicks.com/launchers/

Group: Essentials. 4 apps, listed best first. Prices are the vendor's wording, checked October 2026, and can change.

Built into macOS: Spotlight. Spotlight (Command-Space) already finds apps, files and emails, does math and unit conversions, and since macOS Tahoe can run actions and shortcuts with your own quick keys and search your clipboard history. For launching apps and simple tasks, many people can stop there. Third-party launchers go further with extensions for other apps, snippets, scripted workflows and deep customization.

## 1. Raycast

Extendable launcher with a large extension store

- Price: Free; Pro $10/month or $96/year
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: No
- Developer: Raycast
- Website: https://www.raycast.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/launchers/#raycast

A keyboard launcher with built-in clipboard history, snippets, window management, calendar and calculator, plus a store of community extensions for apps like Linear, Slack, Spotify and 1Password.

Our take: The best all-round pick and the free plan is generous, covering all built-in and public extensions. Paid plans are mainly about AI features, and you need to sign in for some team features.

## 2. Alfred

Veteran launcher with powerful paid workflows

- Price: Free; Powerpack £34 (shown in GBP)
- Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: No
- Developer: Running with Crayons Ltd
- Website: https://www.alfredapp.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/launchers/#alfred

Launches apps, finds files and searches the web with hotkeys and keywords. The paid Powerpack adds workflows, clipboard history, snippets with text expansion and more.

Our take: A strong choice if you prefer a one-time purchase and local, account-free software. Most of the value is in the Powerpack, and the free version does little more than Spotlight.

## 3. LaunchBar

Keyboard launcher that doubles as a file browser

- Price: 35 € single license (shown in EUR)
- Pricing model: Paid. A one-time purchase. A free trial may exist.
- Usable without paying: No
- Open source: No
- Developer: Objective Development Software GmbH
- Website: https://www.obdev.at/products/launchbar/index.html
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/launchers/#launchbar

Opens apps, documents and bookmarks from short abbreviations, browses the file system, and includes clipboard history, snippets, a calculator and script-based actions.

Our take: Good for long-time Mac users who want a polished, fast launcher with strong file handling and no subscription. It has a smaller community than Raycast or Alfred.

## 4. Quicksilver

Free, open-source launcher with plugins

- Price: Free
- Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app.
- Usable without paying: Yes
- Open source: Yes, Apache-2.0 (https://github.com/quicksilver/Quicksilver)
- Website: https://qsapp.com/
- Facts checked: 2026-10-24
- On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/launchers/#quicksilver

Starts apps, manipulates files and runs actions from the keyboard, with triggers and hundreds of plugins for mail, browsers, clipboard history, calendars and more.

Our take: The original Mac launcher, still maintained by its community. A good free option if you like its object-and-action style, though it looks dated next to Raycast.