For a solo user seeking a rapid, keyboard-driven experience with a wide range of extensions, choose Raycast. Its blazing speed and robust built-in features like clipboard history and window management make it ideal for macOS power users who thrive on efficient workflows. Keep in mind, though, that its best AI functionalities come with the Pro version, and it’s not suitable if you need Windows support or prefer an open-source option.
On the other hand, if you value deep workflow automations and prefer a more mature tool, Alfred is the way to go. It's stable and extremely fast, and the one-time purchase for the Powerpack unlocks powerful automation capabilities. However, you should be aware that ai features are lacking and it's not cross-platform. Choose Alfred if automation is your priority, but consider your willingness to invest upfront for those advanced functionalities.