Raycast is a keyboard-first launcher that goes well beyond opening apps: an extension store, clipboard history, snippets, window management, quicklinks, and built-in AI. It aims to be the command centre you drive entirely from the keyboard.

Highlights

Extremely fast, fully keyboard-driven
Large extension store covers most workflows
Clipboard history, snippets, and window management built in
Generous free tier

Watch-outs

Mac-first; Windows is still in beta
The best AI features are behind Pro
Closed source

Good for

Window management Quick launcher

Raycast is the launcher most Mac power users settle on: fast, deeply extensible, and packed with built-in utilities so you stop installing five separate menu-bar apps. Alfred is the veteran alternative with a one-time license and no subscription; choose Raycast for the extension ecosystem and built-in AI, Alfred if you prefer to pay once and own it.

When to use it

mac_power_users
keyboard_driven_workflows
solo_dev

Avoid if

need_windows_or_linux_today
want_an_open_source_launcher

From USD 0

Free tier

Free for core features and community extensions; Raycast Pro (~$8/mo) adds AI chat/commands and cloud sync.

Extensions / plugins
Native
Theming
Native
Keyboard shortcuts
Native
Command palette
Native
Cloud sync
Integration
AI assistance
Native

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Raycast

Highlights

Watch-outs

Good for

When to use it