Alfred vs WinLaunch
Alfred
alfredapp.comWinLaunch
winlaunch.orgSide by side
| Figure | Alfred | WinLaunch |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 9.2 (#1) | 7.0 (#36) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 9.2 (#2) | 7.2 (#32) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 9.2 (#2) | 7.2 (#31) |
| 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. | WinLaunch is a Windows launcher inspired by macOS Launchpad for organizing and accessing apps and documents. |
| 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. | The published privacy policy applies to the website's online activities and says the site uses log files and cookies; it does not cover information collected offline or through other channels. |
| Support | The maker offers help through preference help icons, in-app search, its forum, Twitter, and email for license-related or private questions. | The maker directs users with questions to its Discord community. |
Plans
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
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.