ClocX vs WidgetSpark

ClocX is a free analog clock application for Microsoft Windows. It provides 350 configurable clock faces, three antialiasing levels, and 256 transparency levels, including a mouse-over transparency option. Window controls can keep the clock on top, pin it to the desktop, prevent movement, or let clicks pass through. Alarms can show a window, play a sound, run an application, or shut down the computer. A simple calendar is included. The application supports multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, and Japanese, and can start with Windows for all users or at the current user’s login. The maker describes it as freeware without ads, spyware, adware, or toolbars. Version 1.6.0 is listed in 32-bit and 64-bit editions, supporting Windows XP SP2 and later through Windows 11. The plan costs nothing.

WidgetSpark is a Windows desktop widget app with more than 130 widgets for the desktop, taskbar, and SparkBar. Its catalogue spans system, productivity, games, time, weather, media, entertainment, and finance. Widgets can float on the desktop, dock in the taskbar, appear in SparkBar, or sit behind desktop icons as wallpaper. Each can be moved, resized, and themed, while session restore returns the layout and settings after a restart. Some widgets display live weather, stocks, exchange rates, or crypto prices and need an internet connection to update. The Media Player widget controls system media playback, including YouTube and Spotify; Mail Check supports IMAP inboxes. WidgetSpark runs on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11 and is distributed through the Microsoft Store and winget. The free plan includes a subset of widgets and shows an ad banner inside the app. Pro costs $1.99 per month, $19.99 per year, or $49.99 once for lifetime access. A 7-day trial is available.