Spotlight is the free built-in launcher, Raycast and Alfred are the most popular keyboard launchers with extensions or workflows, LaunchBar is a long-running keyboard alternative, and Apple Shortcuts opens a group of apps from one shortcut. ClapSnap is the hands-free option: a double clap or snap opens your whole workspace.
A launcher saves you hunting through the Dock or Launchpad. Most are keyboard-first; one is not. Here is the field in 2026.
1. Spotlight
Press Command and Space, type, press return. Free, built in, and fast enough for most people. It opens one thing at a time.
2. Raycast
A keyboard launcher and command palette with a large extension store, window management and scripting. Free with a paid Pro plan. The pick for people who want to do everything from the keyboard. Compared in detail in ClapSnap vs Raycast.
3. Alfred
A long-standing favourite: launch apps and files by keyword, with the paid Powerpack adding workflows, clipboard history and snippets. Compared in ClapSnap vs Alfred.
4. LaunchBar
A paid keyboard launcher that has been around for many years, with deep file and action handling for people who learn its abbreviations.
5. Apple Shortcuts
Not a launcher in the usual sense, but a shortcut with several Open App actions opens your whole stack from one hotkey. See ClapSnap vs Apple Shortcuts.
6. The Dock
Still the simplest launcher, and Options, Open at Login in an icon's menu makes an app start with your Mac.
7. ClapSnap
The only one here you do not touch. A double clap or snap, detected on your Mac, opens every app in your list with a short welcome overlay. Pay what you want from €8, one-time. See how it works.
How they compare
| Launcher | Trigger | Opens a group at once | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spotlight | Keyboard | No | Free |
| Raycast | Keyboard | With scripts or extensions | Free, paid Pro |
| Alfred | Keyboard | With Powerpack workflows | Free, paid Powerpack |
| LaunchBar | Keyboard | With actions | Paid |
| Apple Shortcuts | Hotkey, menu bar, Siri | Yes | Free |
| ClapSnap | Clap or snap | Yes | From €8 |
Most people pair a keyboard launcher with something for the start of the day. For that moment, see all the ClapSnap alternatives.
Try ClapSnap. Double clap or snap to open your whole Mac workspace, and steer the cursor with your hand. Pay what you want, minimum €8, one-time purchase, with a 14-day refund. Get ClapSnap