- Pick it if you are:
- Developers on Windows; Multi-monitor and ultrawide users
- Top complaint:
- PowerToys Run not opening with Alt+Space
- Price:
- Free plan
- Pick it if you are:
- Mac developers; Keyboard-first power users
- Top complaint:
- Raycast hotkey not working or not opening
- Price:
- Free plan, paid from $10/mo
Score Comparison
Signals Comparison
Microsoft PowerToys
- PowerToys Run not opening with Alt+Space(7/10)
- PowerToys doesn't work with apps running as administrator(7/10)
- Keyboard Manager remaps not working in some apps and games(6/10)
- PowerToys updates break things (and need hotfixes)(6/10)
- FancyZones not snapping windows(6/10)
- Mouse Without Borders not connecting(6/10)
Raycast
- Raycast clipboard history stops saving(7/10)
- Window management breaks after macOS updates(6/10)
- Raycast extensions fail or error out(6/10)
Microsoft PowerToys
- Why does PowerToys use so much RAM?(5/10)
- PowerToys high CPU usage (Awake and others)(5/10)
Raycast
- Raycast hotkey not working or not opening(8/10)
- Raycast uses too much memory or CPU(7/10)
- Raycast feels slower than Alfred(5/10)
Microsoft PowerToys
- Text Extractor says 'No OCR languages are installed'(4/10)
- Two launchers: PowerToys Run vs Command Palette(4/10)
- Is PowerToys bloated?(3/10)
Raycast
No signals
Microsoft PowerToys
- No real support, only GitHub issues(4/10)
Raycast
- Raycast has no refund details in its public docs(4/10)
Microsoft PowerToys
- Settings window won't open or is blank(5/10)
Raycast
No signals
Microsoft PowerToys
No signals
Raycast
- Raycast Pro has no option without AI(7/10)
- Raycast AI credits expire and run out(7/10)
- Why did Raycast move AI to credits?(6/10)
- Raycast vs Alfred: subscription vs one-time Powerpack(5/10)
Microsoft PowerToys
No signals
Raycast
- Raycast for Windows is still a beta(6/10)
- Raycast iOS AI chats not syncing or crashing(4/10)
Microsoft PowerToys
No signals
Raycast
- Snippets and hyper key don't behave as expected(4/10)
Pricing Comparison
Microsoft PowerToys
Users: Unlimited
Limits: Windows 10/11 only, no Mac or Linux version, no official support beyond GitHub issues, some modules need admin mode to work with elevated apps
Raycast
Users: 1 user
Limits: No Raycast AI, no cloud sync, no custom themes, limited clipboard history length
Users: 1 user
Limits: Top models cost more credits
Users: 1 user
Users: 1 user
Users: 1 user
Users: 1 user
Users: 1 user
Users: per user
Users: per user
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Microsoft PowerToys | Raycast |
|---|---|---|
| Launcher | ||
| PowerToys Run launcher Alt+Space by default | ||
| Command Palette Win+Alt+Space, successor to Run | ||
| Core | ||
| App launcher | ||
| Window management Needs Screen Recording permission on Mac | ||
| Clipboard history | ||
| Snippets | ||
| Window management | ||
| FancyZones window layouts | ||
| Input | ||
| Keyboard Manager remapping Doesn't work on password screens | ||
| Mouse Without Borders Control up to 4 PCs | ||
| Productivity | ||
| Text Extractor OCR Win+Shift+T, needs OCR language pack | ||
| Clipboard history manager Advanced Paste only; Windows has Win+V | ||
| Extensibility | ||
| Extension store | ||
| AI | ||
| Raycast AI Paid only, credit-based | ||
| Platforms | ||
| Windows app Beta | ||
| iOS app | ||
| Android app | ||
| Linux app | ||
| Platform | ||
| Mac/Linux version | ||
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