Alfred
alfredapp.com
What it is
Alfred is a macOS productivity app for launching apps, finding files and web results, and controlling a Mac with hotkeys, keywords, and custom actions. Its search adapts to how someone uses the Mac and prioritizes results. The free core app covers app launching and file searching. Powerpack adds Clipboard History for copied text, images, and file paths, plus Snippets that expand short keywords into saved text. It also provides workflows for connecting objects and automating tasks, and file actions such as previewing, moving, copying, emailing, or revealing files in Finder. Workflows can connect to apps and services, including through APIs, and can be started by hotkey, keyword, or Alfred Remote button. Preferences can sync between Macs using Dropbox or a similar service. The maker says preferences, usage, and settings stay on the Mac, though workflows may contact servers or APIs. Alfred 5.8.1 is listed for macOS 10.14 or later on 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon. The Single License costs £34 once for one user on two of their own Macs for the current version.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- Alfred is a macOS productivity launcher using hotkeys, keywords and text expansion to search the Mac and web and run custom actions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Purpose
- Alfred is a macOS productivity app for launching apps, searching files and the web, and controlling a Mac with hotkeys, keywords, and custom actions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Integrations
- Official documentation covers 1Password bookmarks; URLs remain accessible to Alfred while passwords stay protected in 1Password.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Security
- Alfred runs as a user-level process, and lower-level access such as Accessibility for text expansion is isolated in a separate process; workflows may contact servers or APIs.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Privacy
- The maker says preferences, usage, and settings are stored locally on the Mac and are not sent to it or third parties.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Support
- The maker offers help through preference help icons, in-app search, its forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Headquarters
- United Kingdom and PortugalRead 28 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Company
- Running with Crayons Ltd was founded in 2010 by Andrew Pepperrell and Vero Pepperrell.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Bookmarks
- Alfred searches Safari and Google Chrome bookmarks.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Calculator
- The calculator handles standard and advanced mathematical functions directly in Alfred and can copy results to the clipboard.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Clipboard and snippets
- Powerpack Clipboard History saves copied text, images, and file paths, while Snippets can expand short keywords into saved text.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Clipboard history
- Powerpack clipboard history stores copied text, images and file links in a searchable viewer, with retention choices of 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month or 3 months.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Compatibility
- The site lists Alfred 5.8.1 as requiring macOS 10.14 or later and supporting 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Contacts and dictionary
- Alfred can search Apple Contacts and look up words through Dictionary or macOS dictionary services.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Current bug reports
- The community bug forum lists reports about slow opening, snippets failing intermittently, file-ranking problems, network shares disappearing after macOS updates and terminal-related unresponsiveness.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredforum.com
- Default search
- Default results can search applications, files, folders and other configured sources, with file-search keywords keeping searches focused.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Distribution limit
- The current Alfred 5 is distributed from alfredapp.com; the Mac App Store carries only an obsolete Alfred 1.2 that is no longer updated.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Documentation and support
- The help center documents features, workflow objects, tutorials and troubleshooting, while the Alfred Forum provides community support for workflows and bugs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- File actions
- Powerpack users can navigate the Mac file system, preview files, and perform actions such as emailing, moving, copying, and revealing files in Finder.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Independent review limit
- Macworld's review says Alfred Remote did not match the quality of the main Alfred launcher and requires Alfred running on the Mac.Read 14 Oct 2026 · macworld.com
- Independent review praise
- Macworld says Alfred's launcher, web search, calculator, dictionary and workflow system become deeply embedded in a user's Mac workflow.Read 14 Oct 2026 · macworld.com
- Latest release
- Alfred 5.8.1 build 2349 was released on 24 September 2026 with Light Mode, macOS 27 System Settings and Chrome bookmark improvements.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Licence
- The core software is proprietary freeware: users may use it personally, educationally or commercially but may not redistribute or modify it without permission.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- License limits
- Personal Powerpack licenses are for individual use; the Single User license covers one user on two of their own Macs for the current version.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Limit: learning curve
- G2 reviewers say workflows and the large feature set can feel complex or overwhelming to learn.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Limit: outdated store edition
- App Store reviewers note that the store edition lags the website release and lacks newer Alfred versions and features.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Limit: price and update pace
- A G2 reviewer criticises slow feature-update velocity and the high one-time payment, while another notes that some capabilities are paid.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Limit: resource use
- A G2 reviewer reports significant resource consumption during heavy workflows or extensive file indexing.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Maker founded
- Crunchbase states that Running with Crayons was established in 2010 in Histon, Cambridgeshire.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Maker founders
- Crunchbase identifies Andrew Pepperrell and Véronique Pepperrell as Running with Crayons founders.Read 14 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
- Maker headquarters and size
- LinkedIn lists Running with Crayons Ltd headquarters in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire and company size of 2–10 employees.Read 14 Oct 2026 · uk.linkedin.com
- Maker legal name
- Alfred is developed and sold by Running with Crayons Ltd, an England-and-Wales company registered at Pioneer House, Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Payment compliance
- Powerpack purchases are processed by Paddle, which the privacy policy identifies as PCI DSS SAQ A and GDPR compliant.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Praise: extensibility
- G2 users praise customizable workflows, plugins and integrations such as Chrome bookmarks and 1Password-related tools.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Praise: speed and shortcuts
- G2 reviewers repeatedly praise fast app and file launching, hotkeys, clipboard access and productivity gains.Read 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Praise: stability
- Apple App Store reviewers describe Alfred as polished, reliable and rarely crashing during long-term use.Read 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Public API
- External workflow triggers are callable by AppleScript, JavaScript for Automation and Alfred's alfred://runtrigger URL handler.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Rating on Apple App Store
- 4.8 out of 5 from 1.1K ratingsRead 14 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
- Rating on G2
- 4.5 out of 5 from 34 reviewsRead 14 Oct 2026 · g2.com
- Remote app
- Alfred Remote is an iOS app for controlling Alfred on a Mac, and its core actions require the Mac and iOS device to share a network.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Remote companion
- Alfred Remote is an iPhone/iPad command center that controls Alfred on a Mac; advanced actions such as scripts and workflow triggers require Powerpack.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Remote networking
- Remote normally pairs over the same network using Bonjour, can use Bluetooth or direct IP, and encrypts connections so only authorised devices control the Mac.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Scripting languages
- Run Script actions accept macOS runtimes or external scripts invoked with a shebang, so workflows can use essentially any language available on the Mac.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Search
- Alfred learns how the user uses their Mac and prioritizes search results.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Security and privacy
- The maker says Alfred is Developer ID signed and notarised, does not send searches or usage data home, and only connects for licensing, updates, Gallery and optional syncing unless workflows access APIs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Snippets
- Powerpack snippets provide reusable text clips and automatic keyword-based text expansion.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Sync
- Powerpack users can sync Alfred preferences between Macs using Dropbox or a similar file syncing service.Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
- System controls
- System actions can eject disks, quit or hide applications and otherwise control macOS from the keyboard.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- System requirements
- Current Alfred support is for macOS 10.14 or newer on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Terminal
- Typing a configured prefix lets Alfred open Terminal and run shell commands; workflows can run more complex commands.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Web search
- Built-in web searches can be used or replaced with custom searches.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Workflow editor
- Alfred 5 includes a rewritten workflow editor with palette search, prefabs, favourites, debugger and VoiceOver-compatible keyboard navigation.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
- Workflows
- Powerpack workflows connect triggers, inputs, actions, automations, utilities and outputs to automate multi-step tasks.Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
Plans and prices
Alfred core Free Free to download and use; app launching and file searching Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
Single License $34, paid once One user · two of your own Macs · current version Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
Single License £34, paid once Single User v5 License; free upgrade to Alfred 6 one user · two of your own Macs · current major version Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
Mega Supporter $59, paid once One user · your own Macs · lifetime free upgrades Read 29 Sep 2026 · alfredapp.com
Mega Supporter £59, paid once Single User; lifetime free upgrades one user · own Macs · lifetime Alfred updates Read 14 Oct 2026 · alfredapp.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free core app includes launching and file searching
- Search prioritizes results based on usage
- Powerpack workflows can connect to apps and APIs
- Preferences can sync between Macs
Limits
- Powerpack features require a paid license
- Single License covers one user and two Macs
- Alfred 5.8.1 requires macOS 10.14 or later
- Remote's core actions require both devices on one network
Who it suits
Alfred suits Mac users who want keyboard-driven app launching, search, and custom actions. Powerpack adds tools for workflow automation, clipboard history, snippets, and file handling.
Alfred in depth
Read the full write-up
Alfred is a Mac productivity app that combines app launching and search with tools for handling files and automating tasks. It suits Mac users who want a keyboard-driven starting point they can extend with their own shortcuts. Its free core is focused; Powerpack is the step up for people who will use its automation and added utilities.
Overview
Alfred learns from how someone uses their Mac and prioritizes search results accordingly. That makes it more useful for recurring searches than a launcher that treats every query alike. App launching and file searching are free, while the broader set of actions depends on a Powerpack license.
The split makes Alfred easy to approach without paying, but its strongest capabilities are aimed at people prepared to customize their setup. It is less compelling if all you need is a basic launcher or if you need the same desktop app across operating systems.
Key features
Search and file handling
Alfred searches files and the web as well as launching apps. Powerpack adds navigation through the Mac file system, previews, and actions to email, move, copy, or reveal files in Finder. Those actions can reduce context switching for people who routinely manage files; users who only need to find and open them can stay with the free core.
Clipboard, snippets, and workflows
Powerpack saves copied text, images, and file paths in Clipboard History, and Snippets expands short keywords into saved text. Workflows connect objects to automate tasks, and can be started by hotkey, keyword, or a button in Alfred Remote. The maker lists workflows for services including Dash, Twitter, Spotify, and YouTube, and workflows can connect to apps' APIs. This makes Powerpack more than a launcher, but the payoff depends on having tasks worth automating.
Sync and privacy
Powerpack can sync preferences between Macs through Dropbox or a similar file-syncing service. The maker says preferences, usage, and settings stay on the Mac rather than being sent to it or to third parties. Workflows may contact servers or APIs, so that local-storage assurance does not mean every workflow interaction stays offline.
Alfred runs as a user-level process. Lower-level access, such as Accessibility permission for text expansion, is isolated in a separate process. That separation is relevant for users who want to understand how the app handles permissions as well as what it can do.
Pricing
Alfred core is free to download and use, with app launching and file searching. It is the sensible starting point for anyone who wants to see whether Alfred's search suits their routine without committing to a purchase.
The Single License costs £34 once and covers one user on two of their own Macs for the current version. It adds the Powerpack capabilities, making it the better fit for an individual who wants workflows, clipboard history, snippets, file actions, or preference syncing. Personal Powerpack licenses are for individual use, not shared team use.
The Mega Supporter license costs £59 once for one user on their own Macs and includes lifetime free upgrades. It suits someone who values continued upgrades more than the lower upfront cost of a current-version license. Both paid plans are one-time purchases, but only Mega Supporter explicitly includes lifetime upgrades.
Platforms
The desktop app is for macOS. Alfred 5.8.1 requires macOS 10.14 or later and supports 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. Although iOS appears among the broader platform labels, Alfred Remote is the iOS companion for controlling Alfred on a Mac, not a replacement for the Mac app. Its core actions require the iOS device and Mac to share a network.
Who it's for
Alfred is a strong fit for Mac users who frequently launch apps, search for files, and want a customizable route from those basics to repeatable workflows. The free core also makes sense for people who only need search and launching. Look elsewhere if you need a Windows or Linux desktop version, or if you want advanced automation without buying a Powerpack license.
Support is available through help icons in preferences, in-app search, the forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions. That gives users several routes to resolve setup or account issues without changing Alfred's local-first approach to preferences and settings.
Pros and cons
Free launching and file search: The core covers the everyday launcher and search use case without a purchase.
Powerpack adds practical depth: Clipboard history, text expansion, file actions, and configurable workflows can consolidate recurring Mac tasks.
Two license scopes: The £34 once Single License covers two Macs for the current version, while the £59 once Mega Supporter plan adds lifetime free upgrades.
Mac-only desktop reach: The desktop app requires macOS, limiting its usefulness in mixed-platform environments.
Automation requires setup: Workflows are most valuable to people willing to shape them around their own tasks; a basic launcher user may not benefit from the paid tier.
Alternatives
Raycast is worth considering if you want a launcher across macOS and Windows or prefer an extension-oriented free tier. Its free plan includes core features and thousands of extensions, with three months of Clipboard History and five Notes.
Launchy is a free alternative across Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a pay-what-you-want model and no fixed price. Ueli is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.
Winstep Nexus Dock is the Windows-only alternative in this group, with a free personal-use plan and paid licenses. Keypirinha is a Windows freeware option with no nag screen, time limit, or ads.
Pinokio is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Rofi is a free option for Linux and macOS, while dmenu is a free Linux dynamic menu.
Browse the App Launcher Software category for more options.
Verdict
Choose Alfred if you use a Mac and want a free launcher that can grow into a personal toolkit for search, file handling, and automation. The case for paying is strongest when Powerpack's workflows and utility features will become part of your routine; otherwise, the free core or a cross-platform alternative is the better fit.
Verdict
Alfred's free core handles app launching and file searches, while Powerpack adds automation and broader Mac utilities. The listed Single License costs £34 once and covers two of the user's own Macs for the current version.
Where Specifiction places it
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