Nexus vs WidgetSpark
Nexus
hellonexus.comWidgetSpark
widgetspark.comSide by side
| Figure | Nexus | WidgetSpark |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $1.67/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Desktop Widget Software | 7.9 (#6) | 7.4 (#22) |
| Integrations | The app lists support across RGB tools including Corsair iCUE, ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, and Lian Li L-Connect, plus tools such as FanControl and Elgato Stream Deck; compatibility depends on device model. | The Media Player widget can control system media playback, including YouTube and Spotify, and Mail Check supports any IMAP inbox. |
| Privacy | The app works locally and offline without an account, while optional anonymous usage telemetry can be controlled in settings. | The maker says the app has no user accounts and does not collect names, Microsoft account details, or payment details; optional cloud sync is off by default. |
| Security | Nexus says remote sessions are end-to-end encrypted and its relay forwards encrypted data it cannot read. | The maker says app communications use HTTPS and widget and sticker content, the license cache, and email unlocks are encrypted on the device. |
| Support | Users can get setup and troubleshooting help through the docs and FAQ, or contact the team and community on Discord. | The maker offers priority support with Pro and says messages to its solo developer usually receive a reply within a couple of days. |
Plans
WidgetSpark
- FreeFree
- Pro monthly$1.99 a month
- Pro yearly$19.99 a year
- Pro lifetime$49.99, paid once
In their own words
Nexus
Nexus combines PC hardware monitoring, fan and pump control, and RGB lighting in one free app. It shows live CPU, GPU, memory, network, disk, fan, and temperature readings, with per-game FPS history on Windows. Its GPU-rendered lighting engine offers screen sync, audio sync, and Game Sync. Users can set fan and pump curves from any system temperature sensor or leave selected devices on BIOS or firmware settings. Nexus uses its own device drivers and a bundled OpenRGB build; hardware support depends on the exact model. A phone browser can act as a remote panel, using an encrypted relay outside the home network and switching to a direct connection when possible. The app works locally and offline without an account, while optional anonymous telemetry can be controlled in settings. Nexus runs on 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, Apple Silicon Macs, and x86-64 Linux. It has no builds for Windows on ARM, Intel Macs, or ARM Linux. Companion iOS and Android apps are not yet in the app stores.
WidgetSpark
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.