LaunchMenu vs Start Menu X

LaunchMenu is a free, open-source launcher that provides utilities called applets through a keyboard-oriented interface. Its menus support recursive fuzzy search, pattern filters, and prioritization of frequently used items. Users can navigate with arrow keys, activate primary actions with Enter, and open context menus with Tab; controls can be customized. Multi-select allows compatible actions to be applied to several items together. Applets include a dictionary, notes, file manager, internet search, calculator, translator, snippets, time tracker, and calendar. Users can adjust applet settings and themes, import or export settings, and manage official or third-party applets. LaunchMenu runs on macOS and Windows. The site identifies Windows as the primary development and test platform, while Mac testing has been less extensive. Linux support is planned and has not yet been worked on. Developers can build applets using TypeScript and React, compile them into LaunchMenu-ready packages, and upload completed applets to npm with the launchmenu-applet keyword. The listed free plan costs nothing.

Start Menu X is a Windows overlay that replaces the system Start menu, with controls for the Start button and custom search. It is described as a solution for professionals and power users. Programs can be arranged into virtual groups by purpose without being moved on disk, and groups can be folded or unfolded. Users can change the menu structure, add tabs, and create a folder list from 25 system folders plus folders or applications they choose. Opening a folder can display its applications across the full screen. The PRO version lets users assign a primary program to a folder for single-click launch. The menu can also set a delayed shutdown or sleep timer. The installer includes Group Manager for organizing virtual groups. The maker describes compatibility from Windows 7 through Windows 11 and offers 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The free version limits virtual groups to five. Start Menu X PRO costs $14.99, paid once, with no subscription.