Alfred
FreemiumThe classic Mac launcher with Powerpack workflows, clipboard history, and deep keyboard automation — now with AI features
What is Alfred?
Alfred is the original power-user Mac launcher that defined the category before Raycast arrived. It has been actively developed since 2010 and still has one of the most devoted user bases of any Mac utility. The free core app replaces Spotlight with faster app, file, and web search, calculations, and basic system controls. The Powerpack (paid upgrade) unlocks the real power: workflows (visual automation that connects actions), clipboard history with multi-clip paste, snippets with auto-expansion, file navigation with custom file actions, and deep integration with 1Password, contacts, web bookmarks, iTunes/Music, and terminal. In 2024-2026, Alfred added AI integrations through workflows — community-built Powerpack workflows let you ask ChatGPT, Claude, and other LLMs directly from the Alfred bar, generating text, translating, or running custom prompts without opening a browser. Alfred is less polished than Raycast but more deeply customizable for users who want pixel-perfect control over their keyboard workflow. The Powerpack is sold as a one-time purchase (single license £34, mega supporter £59 with lifetime free upgrades) — a classic pay-once model that many users appreciate in a world of subscriptions. Alfred remains the right choice for users who want rock-solid stability, maximum customization, and no ongoing fees.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Long-time Mac power users who want stability, customization, and no subscriptions
New users who want polished modern UI and integrated AI out of the box
Free core · Powerpack £34 (~$43) single license · Mega Supporter £59 (~$75) lifetime upgrades
Yes — core launcher is free forever
Rock-solid stability, deep customization, one-time purchase for Powerpack
No built-in AI, dated UI compared to Raycast
Bottom line: Alfred scores 4.5/5 — the original power-user Mac launcher — still the right choice for users who value stability and one-time pricing over flashy new features.
Pricing
Free: Core launcher with app/file/web search, calculator, default web searches, dictionary, system commands. No subscription, no time limit.
Powerpack Single License — £34 (~$43): Workflows (visual automation), clipboard history with search and snippets, text expansion with dynamic placeholders, file navigation with custom actions, 1Password integration, iTunes/Music mini player, web bookmarks, terminal integration. Free updates within a major version (v5.x).
Mega Supporter License — £59 (~$75): Everything in Powerpack plus free lifetime upgrades to all future major versions (v6, v7, etc). The best value for long-term Mac users.
Business Licenses: Custom pricing for teams and organizations.
Key Features
- Free core app with fast app/file/web search
- Powerpack workflows for visual automation
- Clipboard history with search and multi-paste
- Snippets with text expansion and placeholders
- File navigation with custom file actions
- Deep 1Password, Music, and web bookmark integration
- Community workflows for AI (ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E)
- One-time purchase with no subscriptions
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rock-solid stability with 15+ years of development
- One-time purchase, no subscription required
- Mega Supporter license gives lifetime upgrades
- Deeply customizable for power users
Cons
- UI feels dated compared to Raycast
- No built-in AI — requires community workflows
- Fewer free extensions than Raycast store
FAQ
Alfred vs Raycast — which should I pick in 2026?
Raycast wins for new users who want a polished modern UI, built-in AI, and a huge free extensions store. Alfred wins for long-time users who value stability, one-time pricing (no subscription for Powerpack), and deeply customizable workflows. Both are excellent. If you are starting fresh, try Raycast first. If you already know Alfred and its workflows, there is no pressing reason to switch — the Mega Supporter license is a great long-term value.
Is the Powerpack worth £34?
For any Mac power user who uses the keyboard heavily, yes. The Powerpack unlocks clipboard history (which alone is worth £34 for most users), snippets with text expansion, workflows for visual automation, file navigation actions, and 1Password integration. It is a one-time purchase with free updates within v5.x. Compared to subscription alternatives, the value is excellent.
Does Alfred have AI features?
Alfred itself does not ship with built-in AI, but the workflow system makes it easy to integrate AI via community-built workflows. Popular ones include ChatGPT for Alfred, Claude for Alfred, and DALL-E for Alfred — all free workflows that connect to your own API keys. Installation is one click. This is less polished than Raycast's integrated AI but gives you full control over which models and API providers to use.
Does Alfred work on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes, excellently. Alfred is a native macOS app compiled for both Intel and Apple Silicon, so it runs natively on M1/M2/M3/M4 Macs with no Rosetta overhead. Launch speed is extremely fast on modern hardware. Alfred supports all current macOS versions and is actively updated for new releases.
What are Alfred Workflows?
Workflows are visual automation scripts you build with nodes — connecting triggers (hotkey, keyword, file action) to actions (run script, open URL, copy to clipboard, call API). The Powerpack includes the Workflow editor, and the community maintains thousands of pre-built workflows at alfred.app/workflows. You can do almost anything: automate Dropbox uploads, search specific sites, control HomeKit devices, generate passwords, and run any shell script.
Can I migrate from Alfred to Raycast?
Yes, and Raycast has an Alfred importer that converts your snippets, quicklinks, and web searches. Workflows do not convert directly (Raycast uses a different extension model), but most popular Alfred workflows have Raycast extension equivalents in the Raycast store. Give both tools a week before deciding.
📋 Good to know
Download from alfredapp.com, set ⌘ + Space to Alfred (disable Spotlight), and optionally buy the Powerpack for workflows and clipboard history.
100% local by default. No cloud sync. No analytics. AI workflows (community) send prompts to your own API keys only if you opt in.
Free core for casual use. Powerpack (£34) for workflows and clipboard history. Mega Supporter (£59) if you plan to use Alfred for years.
Moderate. Basic search is immediate. Workflows and advanced Powerpack features take 1-2 weeks to master.