True Launch Bar vs Winstep Nexus Dock
True Launch Bar
truelaunchbar.comWinstep Nexus Dock
winstep.netSide by side
| Figure | True Launch Bar | Winstep Nexus Dock |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 3 |
| Spec score · App launchers | 8.7 (#6) | 7.9 (#16) |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 8.4 (#9) | 7.6 (#22) |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 8.3 (#11) | 7.5 (#23) |
| Customization | Users can apply skins and customize toolbar buttons, menu items, colors, and tooltips. | Nexus supports themes, configurable behaviors, animated icons, visual effects and skins from major third-party docks. |
| Privacy | The vendor says the software contains no spyware or adware and does not phone home; no personal information is required to download or install it. | Winstep's Nexus Ultimate page says its software does not send or broadcast personal information to Winstep or anyone else. |
| Purpose | True Launch Bar is a Windows Quick Launch replacement for organizing shortcuts and files in customizable taskbar menus. | Nexus provides one-click access to frequently used applications, folders, documents and commands from a customizable Windows dock. |
| Support | The license page says registered software receives free updates and free support. | Winstep lists technical support by email and via its forums, and says to use the forums if email receives no reply within 48 hours. |
Plans
True Launch Bar
- True Launch BarFree
- True Launch Bar 8.0 freewareFree
- Legacy registration$19.90, paid once
Winstep Nexus Dock
- NexusFree
- Nexus commercial license$12.95, paid once
- Nexus Ultimate$29.95, paid once
In their own words
True Launch Bar
True Launch Bar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Winstep Nexus Dock
Winstep Nexus Dock is a customizable Windows dock for opening frequently used applications, folders, documents and commands. It can show running applications, replace the taskbar and display system tray icons. Built-in modules include a clock, Recycle Bin, email checker, weather and CPU, RAM and network meters. Nexus Ultimate adds multiple docks, sub-docks, shelves, drawers, Grid Stacks, Launch Pads and additional modules. Customization options include themes, configurable behavior, animated icons, visual effects and skins from major third-party docks. Nexus supports Windows UWP apps and Progressive Web Apps from Chrome, Brave and Microsoft Edge. Listed system requirements include Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11, 120 MB of free disk space and a minimum 800×600 screen resolution; ARM Windows devices are supported. The free Nexus plan is for personal use and allows one alarm. A commercial license costs $12.95 as a one-time purchase, and Nexus Ultimate costs $29.95, paid once. The Ultimate purchase page lists a fully functional 30-day trial.