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Alfred vs Raycast — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Alfred and Raycast to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
TLDR
Quick Verdict
Raycast takes the lead with a 4.9 rating and is best for mac developers and power users. Alfred (4.7) is the better pick if you need mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Alfred | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(165) | ★★★★★ 4.9(210) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | £34 one-time (Powerpack) | $8/mo (Pro with AI) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Mac | Mac |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Medium |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions | Mac developers and power users |
| Verdict | OG Mac Launcher | Best Mac Launcher |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Alfred | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher | ||
| Workflows | — | |
| Clipboard History | ||
| Snippets | ||
| File Navigation | — | |
| AI Chat | — | |
| Extensions Store | — |
Alfred
Pros
- ✓One-time payment
- ✓Incredibly powerful workflows
- ✓Decades of community workflows
Cons
- ✕UI feels dated vs Raycast
- ✕No built-in AI
- ✕Steeper learning curve for workflows
Raycast
Pros
- ✓Incredible speed
- ✓Massive extension ecosystem
- ✓Built-in AI is excellent
Cons
- ✕Mac-only
- ✕Can be overwhelming at first
- ✕Pro tier needed for AI
The Bottom Line
Both Alfred and Raycast are solid tools in the Other space. Raycast edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and is the better choice for mac developers and power users. However, if you prioritize mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions, Alfred is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alfred better than Raycast?▼
Raycast scores higher overall with a 4.9 rating vs 4.7. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Alfred is best for Mac power users who prefer one-time payment over subscriptions, while Raycast is best for Mac developers and power users.
Can I switch from Alfred to Raycast?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Raycast offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Alfred or Raycast?▼
Alfred starts at £34 one-time (Powerpack), while Raycast starts at $8/mo (Pro with AI). Alfred offers a free tier. Raycast offers a free tier.