Appetizer vs PortableApps.com Platform
Appetizer
appetizer.cozic.netPortableApps.com Platform
portableapps.comSide by side
| Figure | Appetizer | PortableApps.com Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 8.7 (#4) | 8.3 (#10) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 8.6 (#6) | 8.8 (#5) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 8.5 (#8) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Open source | The maker describes Appetizer as open source and says it will remain free. | The platform is listed as free and open source under GPL, with some MIT and CC components. |
| Organization | Users can drag and drop icons, group shortcuts in menus, and use a wizard to import shortcuts from various locations. | The customizable menu supports folders, favorites, and integrated search. |
| Support | Forum registration is closed because of spam, and the site says users may contact the maker if needed. | 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. |
Plans
PortableApps.com Platform
- PortableApps.com PlatformFree
- PortableApps.com Platform FreeFree
In their own words
Appetizer
Appetizer is a free, open-source application launcher dock for Windows that organizes shortcuts and folders. A wizard imports shortcuts from different locations, after which icons can be arranged by drag and drop or grouped in menus. The dock can resize and display horizontally or vertically, with small, large, and extra-large icons, custom icons, and skins; two skins are included. It supports launching several items together, a hotkey to hide or show the dock, and minimizing it to the tray. Special items provide controls for the desktop, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel. With the standard PortableApps.com folder structure, Appetizer should detect applications and documents automatically. Version 1.4 is offered as a Windows installer or portable ZIP; the ZIP can run from a hard drive or USB stick and saves settings in the application directory. The download page lists Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. Plugins add functions such as USB document encryption, shortcut grouping, and closing the dock after launch, but require a restart after installation. Multilingual help and an API reference are provided.
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.