Raycast vs Alfred
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right tool in 2026
π Quick Verdict
It's a tie! Both are great options.
Raycast is more modern with AI. Alfred has powerful workflows with one-time pricing.
π Explore More
π Visual Comparison
Overall Score Comparison
Category Breakdown
Raycast Highlights
- β Lightning fast
- β Great extensions
- π° Free / $8/month
Alfred Highlights
- β Powerful workflows
- β Clipboard history
- π° Free / Β£34 Powerpack
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Raycast | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | β | β |
| AI | β | β |
| Workflows | β | β |
| One-time | β | β |
What is Raycast?
Raycast is a productivity launcher for macOS that replaces Spotlight with a faster, more extensible alternative. It offers extensions, snippets, and AI features.
β Pros
- β’Lightning fast
- β’Great extensions
- β’Built-in AI
- β’Clipboard history
- β’Beautiful UI
βCons
- β’Mac only
- β’Pro features are paid
- β’Can be overwhelming
- β’Competes with Alfred
What is Alfred?
Alfred is a productivity app for macOS that boosts efficiency with hotkeys, keywords, and text expansion. It features a powerful workflow system for automation.
β Pros
- β’Powerful workflows
- β’Clipboard history
- β’Snippet expansion
- β’Quick file navigation
- β’Mac native performance
βCons
- β’Mac only
- β’Powerpack is paid
- β’Learning curve for workflows
- β’No mobile app
Pricing Comparison
πIn-Depth Analysis: Raycast vs Alfred
Choosing between Raycast and Alfred can be challenging, as both tools offer compelling features for modern workflows. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze every aspectβfrom features and pricing to real-world use casesβto help you make an informed decision.
Raycast
Raycast is a productivity launcher for macOS that replaces Spotlight with a faster, more extensible alternative. It offers extensions, snippets, and AI features.
Alfred
Alfred is a productivity app for macOS that boosts efficiency with hotkeys, keywords, and text expansion. It features a powerful workflow system for automation.
π―Best Use Cases
When to Choose Raycast
- βFor Teams:
Lightning fast
- βFor Small Business:
Great extensions
- βFor Enterprise:
Built-in AI
When to Choose Alfred
- βFor Individuals:
Powerful workflows
- βFor Small Business:
Clipboard history
- βFor Teams:
Snippet expansion
πFeature Deep Dive
Extensions
AI
π°Pricing Analysis
Raycast
Freemium
β Free tier availableAlfred
One-time
β Free tier availableπ‘ Pro Tip
Both tools offer free trials or tiers. We recommend testing both with your actual workflow before committing to a paid plan.
πOur Recommendation
After extensive analysis and testing, here's our take: Both Raycast and Alfred are excellent tools that can significantly improve your productivity. The best choice depends on your specific needs, workflow, and priorities.
Choose Raycast if:
You want modern design and AI features.
Choose Alfred if:
You prefer one-time pricing and proven workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Raycast has AI features built into Pro tier.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
β¨ Choose Raycast if
You want modern design and AI features.
β¨ Choose Alfred if
You prefer one-time pricing and proven workflows.