VS
Cron vs Raycast — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Cron 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. Cron (4.6) is the better pick if you need notion users wanting a beautiful calendar experience.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Cron | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6(85) | ★★★★★ 4.9(210) |
| Pricing Model | free | freemium |
| Starter Price | Free | $8/mo (Pro with AI) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Web | Mac |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Medium |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Notion users wanting a beautiful calendar experience | Mac developers and power users |
| Verdict | Most Beautiful Calendar | Best Mac Launcher |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Cron | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Calendar | — | |
| Scheduling Links | — | |
| Time Zones | — | |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | — | |
| Notion Integration | — | |
| Launcher | — | |
| AI Chat | — | |
| Clipboard History | — | |
| Snippets | — | |
| Extensions Store | — |
Cron
Pros
- ✓Free and beautiful
- ✓Excellent keyboard shortcuts
- ✓Notion integration
Cons
- ✕Google Calendar only (no Outlook)
- ✕Being rebranded to Notion Calendar
- ✕Limited scheduling features vs Calendly
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 Cron and Raycast are solid tools in the Other space. Raycast edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.9 vs 4.6) and is the better choice for mac developers and power users. However, if you prioritize notion users wanting a beautiful calendar experience, Cron is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cron better than Raycast?▼
Raycast scores higher overall with a 4.9 rating vs 4.6. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Cron is best for Notion users wanting a beautiful calendar experience, while Raycast is best for Mac developers and power users.
Can I switch from Cron to Raycast?▼
Yes, most users can migrate between the two. Raycast offers a free tier to test before committing.
Which is more affordable, Cron or Raycast?▼
Cron starts at Free, while Raycast starts at $8/mo (Pro with AI). Cron offers a free tier. Raycast offers a free tier.