Alfred vs PortableApps.com Platform
Alfred
alfredapp.comPortableApps.com Platform
portableapps.comSide by side
| Figure | Alfred | PortableApps.com Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 9.2 (#1) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 9.2 (#2) | 8.8 (#5) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 9.2 (#2) | 8.9 (#5) |
| 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. | The support page says apps obtained through its app store are checked for malware and viruses and have not been altered since checking. |
| Support | The maker offers help through preference help icons, in-app search, its forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions. | Support is available through online support pages, community forums, and live chat; the contact page says email and phone support are not offered for support issues. |
| System requirements | Current Alfred support is for macOS 10.14 or newer on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. | Independent download documentation lists Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 for Platform 30.5. |
| 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. | PortableApps.com Platform organizes, launches, installs and updates portable applications from a menu. |
Plans
Alfred
- Alfred coreFree
- Single License$34, paid once
- Single License£34, paid once
- Mega Supporter$59, paid once
- Mega Supporter£59, paid once
PortableApps.com Platform
- PortableApps.com PlatformFree
- PortableApps.com Platform FreeFree
In their own words
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.
PortableApps.com Platform
PortableApps.com Platform lets users assemble a portable software suite for a synced cloud folder, local computer, or USB drive. Its built-in app store provides browsing and installation without a download limit. A customizable menu organizes applications with folders, favorites, and search. The updater reports available updates and can install them without changing settings or saved files. Integrated backup and restore are listed, and installation works in synced folders such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box. Apps from the store are checked for malware and viruses and are not altered after checking, according to the support information. The platform is free and open source under GPL, with some MIT and CC components. The listed download is 7MB and installed size 19MB. Windows is listed directly; Linux, Unix, and BSD use Wine, while Mac OS X uses compatibility software. Support comes through online pages, forums, and live chat.