Aston vs MaxLauncher
Aston
astonshell.ruMaxLauncher
maxlauncher.sourceforge.ioSide by side
| Figure | Aston | MaxLauncher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Start Menu Customization Software | 8.1 (#6) | 8.1 (#7) |
| Purpose | Aston replaces the standard Windows desktop with a customizable shell. | MaxLauncher is a tabbed launcher designed to reduce the time needed to find and run programs. |
| Support | The support center directs users to product FAQs, forums, and technical or sales contact forms. | Support is offered through SourceForge bug reports, feature requests, support requests, and discussion forums. |
Plans
In their own words
MaxLauncher
MaxLauncher is a free, open-source tabbed launcher for Windows that opens programs, folders, or commands with two or three keystrokes. Each .mld data file can hold up to ten tabs, with 30 configurable buttons on each, for a maximum of 300 buttons. A favorites bar adds ten configurable buttons assigned to F1–F10. Separate XML-format text files can keep shortcut groups, such as work and home, apart. The launcher supports drag and drop, configurable activation hotkeys, custom themes, multi-launch, multiple instances, and basic multi-monitor use. Users can install it with an executable or choose a portable ZIP version, which the maker says can run from a USB stick or external hard drive. Portable settings can be made read-only to prevent changes to selected launcher data and cache files. The listed requirements are Windows Vista or newer, or Windows XP with Microsoft .NET 3.5 or higher; it runs on 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The downloads page lists version 1.31.0.0, dated October 29, 2021, as the latest release shown.