ActiveDock vs Alfred
ActiveDock
noteifyapp.com
Alfred
alfredapp.comSide by side
| Figure | ActiveDock | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 5 |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 8.0 (#13) | 9.2 (#1) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 7.1 (#35) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 7.1 (#36) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Compatibility | The product page requires macOS 14.6 or later and says macOS 26 Tahoe and Apple Silicon M1–M5 are fully supported. | The site lists Alfred 5.8.1 as requiring macOS 10.14 or later and supporting 64-bit Intel and Apple Silicon. |
| Privacy | The maker’s privacy policy says it collects information users provide and device or website usage information, and says it does not use precise geographic location or advertising companies. | The maker says preferences, usage, and settings are stored locally on the Mac and are not sent to it or third parties. |
| Support | The maker invites questions, feedback, and support requests by email. | The maker offers help through preference help icons, in-app search, its forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions. |
Plans
ActiveDock
- ActiveDock 2 Single License$19.99, paid once
- ActiveDock 2 Pro Lifetime$59.99, paid once
Alfred
- Alfred coreFree
- Single License$34, paid once
- Single License£34, paid once
- Mega Supporter$59, paid once
- Mega Supporter£59, paid once
In their own words
ActiveDock
ActiveDock has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Alfred
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.