Raycast

Overview

Raycast is a keyboard-focused launcher that brings everyday utilities, workflows, extensions and AI tools into one place. It suits people who want to move quickly between commands and connected services, especially on macOS or Windows. Its breadth is a strength, but the best fit depends on how much of the paid toolkit you need and whether your devices are supported.

Rather than stopping at app launching, Raycast puts file search, notes, clipboard history and other utilities behind a single interface. A community extension store adds integrations, and an extension API gives developers a way to build their own. That makes Raycast a more capable choice than a basic launcher, though some of its practical limits are tied to plan and platform.

Key features

Launcher and built-in tools

The keyboard-first interface supports command launching, file search and workflows. Built-in tools include Clipboard History, Calendar, Window Management, Snippets, Quicklinks, Notes and Calculator. This combination is useful for people who want common actions and reference material close at hand instead of switching among separate tools. Cloud sync is supported, while the free plan caps Clipboard History at three months and Notes at five.

Extensions and integrations

The Store lets users browse and install community-built extensions. Examples connect Raycast with Linear, Slack, Notion, Google Translate, Spotify, 1Password and Jira. The range can make the launcher more relevant to a particular workflow, but its usefulness depends on the services a person already uses. Developers can build integrations through the extension API; teams can publish private extensions for their organization.

AI and browser tools

Raycast AI includes AI Chat, Quick AI, Agents, AI Commands and AI Extensions, with models from multiple providers. The browser extension can summarize the active tab and answer questions about it, and works with Chromium-based browsers, Safari and Firefox. That pairing is most useful to readers who want AI assistance connected to launcher workflows and browser reading, rather than only a way to open apps.

Raycast says it does not log or retain prompts and that its AI provider agreements prohibit training on user interactions. AI inputs and outputs are encrypted in transit with TLS, while synced data is encrypted at rest with AES-256. Enterprise features include SOC 2 compliance, annual penetration testing, GDPR alignment and CCPA readiness. Eligible new accounts can start a seven-day Pro trial with access to Pro models, though advanced AI models are excluded.

Pricing

Raycast is freemium, with paid plans starting at $10 / month. The free individual plan costs nothing and includes core features and thousands of extensions, but limits Clipboard History to three months and Notes to five. It is the sensible starting point for people who mainly want the launcher and extensions without a paid AI or sync package.

Pro costs $10 / month and includes 500 AI credits/month, AI, Cloud Sync, Dictation, Custom Themes, Translator, unlimited Clipboard History and Notes. It fits an individual who wants those additions without moving up to a higher AI allowance. Pro+ costs $20 / month and raises the allowance to 3,000 AI credits/month, with top-tier AI models and unlimited Clipboard History and Notes. Max costs $50 / month and raises the allowance again to 7,500 AI credits/month, also with top-tier models and unlimited histories and notes. Those higher plans are for users whose AI use justifies the larger monthly credit allocation.

Teams Free costs $0 / user / month, supports unlimited team members and includes a Private Store, but caps shared Commands at five, Quicklinks at 30 and Snippets at 30. It suits small teams that can work within those sharing limits. Teams Pro costs $15 / user / month and includes 500 AI credits/user/month, unlimited shared Commands, Quicklinks and Snippets, and a Private Store; it is the step up for teams that need more shared resources and per-user AI credits.

Platforms

Raycast is available for macOS, Windows, iOS and iPadOS, with API and extension support. It is not currently available on Android, so people building an Android-centered setup should look elsewhere. The browser extension supports Chromium-based browsers, Safari and Firefox.

Who it's for

Raycast is a strong fit for people who rely on keyboard-driven access to tools, want utilities and service integrations in one launcher, or need workflows that can be extended through a Store or API. Teams can share commands, links and snippets, while organizations can publish private extensions. Those who only need basic app launching may not need its wider feature set, and Android users cannot make it their launcher across devices.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Built-in utilities, file search and workflow support make it more than an app launcher.
• Pros: A community Store, named service integrations and an extension API offer ways to tailor it to personal or team workflows.
• Pros: Team plans include a Private Store, and Teams Pro removes the shared-item caps of Teams Free.
• Cons: The free individual plan restricts Clipboard History to three months and Notes to five.
• Cons: Pro, Pro+ and Max have increasing monthly prices and AI-credit allowances, so heavier AI use can mean a substantial recurring cost.
• Cons: Android is unsupported, limiting its fit for people who want the same launcher on an Android device.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse App Launcher Software.

Choose Launchy if you want a free launcher available on Android, Linux, macOS and Windows; it is free to download, with a recommended value of $10 USD and a suggestion to consider paying $3. Alfred is another option for Apple users: its free core covers app launching and file searching, while a Single License costs $34, paid once for one user on two of their own Macs and the current version.

Ueli is a free option for Linux, macOS and Windows without paid plans or usage limits stated. Wox is free, open source under GPL-3.0, and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows. Windows users who want freeware with no nag screen, time limit or ads can consider Keypirinha.

Walker is a free, GPL-3.0 licensed Linux desktop application. If a dock rather than a launcher is what you want, Winstep Nexus Dock offers a free personal-use plan, with a $12.95 once commercial license and a $29.95 Nexus Ultimate plan. Dropzone is a macOS alternative whose free plan includes a customizable app, folder and action grid, multiple grids and a Drop Bar file shelf.

Verdict

Choose Raycast if you want a keyboard-centered launcher that can grow into a hub for utilities, workflows, integrations and AI. Its free tier is a useful entry point, while paid plans unlock uncapped histories and notes, more AI credits or expanded team sharing. Look elsewhere if Android support is essential, or if you need only a simple launcher and would rather avoid Raycast's plan-specific limits and recurring costs.