Raycast

Overview

Raycast is a keyboard-focused launcher that brings everyday utilities, workflows and community-built extensions into one interface. It suits people who want more than app launching, especially users who rely on keyboard shortcuts or need to connect work tools. Its breadth is a strength, but free-plan caps on Notes and clipboard history, plus paid AI quotas, make plan choice consequential.

Key features

Launcher and built-in tools

Raycast combines command launching and file search with Clipboard History, Calendar, Window Management, Snippets, Quicklinks, Notes and Calculator. That mix can replace several small utility apps for people who prefer one keyboard-led starting point. Workflow support and cloud sync extend its role beyond opening applications, though the free plan limits Clipboard History to three months and Notes to five.

Extensions and integrations

The community Store lets users browse and install extensions, with examples for Linear, Slack, Notion, Google Translate, Spotify, 1Password and Jira. That range makes Raycast more adaptable to a particular working setup than a launcher limited to built-in commands. Developers can use the extension API to build integrations, and 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, and supports models from multiple providers. The browser extension can summarize the active tab and answer questions about it across Chromium-based browsers, Safari and Firefox. These features broaden the product beyond launcher tasks, but AI credits vary by plan; eligible new accounts can try Pro with Pro models for seven days, while advanced AI models are excluded from the trial.

Privacy and security

Raycast says prompts are not logged or retained and that provider agreements prohibit training on user interactions. It says AI inputs and outputs are encrypted in transit with TLS, while synced data is encrypted at rest using AES-256. Enterprise features include SOC 2 compliance, annual penetration testing, GDPR alignment and CCPA readiness. These are meaningful considerations for organizations assessing deployment, alongside the private extension option.

Pricing

Raycast is freemium, with paid plans starting at $10 / month and a seven-day Pro trial for eligible new accounts. The Free plan costs $0.00 per free and includes core features and thousands of extensions, but caps Clipboard History at three months and Notes at five. It is a sensible way to use the launcher and explore extensions, but not for users who need longer clipboard history or more notes.

Teams Free costs $0 / user / month and allows unlimited team members, a Private Store, up to five shared Commands, 30 shared Quicklinks and 30 shared Snippets. The non-expiring plan can suit small teams with modest sharing needs; its shared-item caps are the main reason to move up.

Pro costs $10 / month and includes 500 AI credits per month, AI, Cloud Sync, Dictation, Custom Themes and Translator, plus unlimited Clipboard History and Notes. It is the clearest fit for an individual who wants the paid productivity tools and a moderate AI allowance. Pro+ costs $20 / month, raises the allowance to 3,000 AI credits and includes top-tier AI models; Max costs $50 / month, offers 7,500 credits and top-tier models. Those higher tiers are for users whose AI usage justifies the larger monthly allowance.

Teams Pro costs $15 / user / month, with 500 AI credits per user per month, unlimited shared Commands, Quicklinks and Snippets, and a Private Store. It suits teams that have outgrown the free sharing caps, though per-user billing makes the cost grow with team size. The Free and Teams Free plans provide useful entry points, but the former restricts personal history and notes while the latter restricts shared resources.

Platforms

Raycast is available for macOS, Windows, iOS and iPadOS, and the browser extension supports Chromium-based browsers, Safari and Firefox. The maker says Android is not currently supported, so Android users will need a different tool. Its extension API and cloud sync also make it more than a desktop-only launcher, but platform availability still matters when choosing it for a mixed-device setup.

Who it's for

Raycast is best for keyboard-oriented users who want a launcher alongside utilities, extensibility and optional AI. It can also suit teams that want shared commands and private extensions, provided they select a plan that fits their collaboration limits. Someone seeking only a basic launcher, or an Android user, may be better served elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Built-in file search, Calculator, window management, notes and clipboard history put several common tasks within the launcher.
• Pros: A community extension store, extension API and private team extensions support both personal integrations and organization-specific tools.
• Pros: Multiple AI capabilities and browser-tab assistance add options beyond conventional app and command launching.
• Cons: Free users get only three months of Clipboard History and five Notes.
• Cons: Free Teams sharing is capped at five Commands, 30 Quicklinks and 30 Snippets, which can constrain teams that share more resources.
• Cons: Android is not supported, and paid AI plans have distinct credit limits.

Alternatives

App Launcher Software is a useful place to compare options across the category. Choose Winstep Nexus Dock if you want a Windows dock, with free personal use and a $12.95 once commercial license. Launchy is a free option for users who want coverage across Android, Linux, macOS and Windows and a pay-what-you-want model. Alfred may suit Mac users who want free app launching and file searching, with a $34.00 once single license for one user and two of their Macs. Keypirinha is a Windows-only freeware choice with no time limit or ads. Ueli is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows users. Dropzone is a macOS option with customizable app, folder and action grids, plus a Drop Bar file shelf on its free plan. Walker is a free, GPL-3.0-licensed Linux desktop application. Wox is a free, GPL-3.0-licensed alternative available for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose Raycast if you want a keyboard-first hub that combines useful built-in tools with extensions, workflows and optional AI. Its main advantage is that breadth in one launcher; its main reasons to look elsewhere are the free plan's storage and sharing caps, the paid AI quotas, or the lack of Android support.