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Alfred

macOS launcher with workflows.

What it is

Alfred is a macOS launcher driven from a hotkey: it finds applications and files on the Mac or on the web, learns from how you use the machine to prioritise results, and lets you act on a result without leaving the keyboard. Beyond launching it carries a clipboard history holding past text, images, file paths and colour hex codes, and snippets that auto-expand from a short abbreviation anywhere in the system. The paid Powerpack adds workflows, which chain hotkeys, keywords and actions together without writing code and can be imported from a large community library. Smaller built-ins cover calculations, spelling and definitions, file previews on the Shift key, large-type display and system commands such as sleeping the Mac or emptying the Trash.

Alfred pricing

Alfred does not publish a plan ladder we could verify. Free tier available.

Prices read from the vendor's own pricing page on 2026-09-08. Vendors change plans without notice — check the source before you budget.

Key features

  • Hotkey launcher and search

    Finds apps and files locally or on the web and prioritises results from your usage.

  • Clipboard history

    Searches and re-pastes previously copied text, images, file paths and hex colours.

  • Snippet expansion

    Short abbreviations auto-expand into saved text anywhere on the system.

  • Workflows (Powerpack)

    Chains hotkeys, keywords and actions with no code; community workflows can be imported.

  • System commands

    Sleep, empty Trash, screensaver and similar macOS actions from a keyword.

Strengths and trade-offs

What works well

  • Workflows automate genuinely complex tasks
  • Mature and stable after many years
  • Free core version is usable

Where it falls short

  • Powerpack needed for the interesting features
  • Workflow building has a learning curve
  • macOS only

Who it is for

Mac power users who want to script their machine from the keyboard.

Pick it or skip it

Pick Alfred if

  • Mac users who want a fast launcher and clipboard tool — the core app is free
  • Power users who want workflows, snippets and clipboard history with a one-off Powerpack licence (£34)
  • People who dislike subscriptions: the Mega Supporter licence (£59) includes lifetime upgrades

Skip it if

  • You are on Windows or Linux: Alfred is macOS only
  • You want automation without paying — workflows require the Powerpack
  • You already use Raycast's free tier and do not need Alfred's specific workflow ecosystem

Our verdict

Still excellent, though Raycast has taken much of its audience with a friendlier free tier.

Frequently asked questions

Does Alfred have a free plan?
Yes. Alfred offers a free tier with limits; paid plans unlock higher usage or team features.
Who is Alfred best for?
Mac power users who want to script their machine from the keyboard.
What are the main drawbacks of Alfred?
The trade-offs we noted: Powerpack needed for the interesting features; Workflow building has a learning curve; macOS only.
When should you not use Alfred?
Skip Alfred if: You are on Windows or Linux: Alfred is macOS only; You want automation without paying — workflows require the Powerpack; You already use Raycast's free tier and do not need Alfred's specific workflow ecosystem.

What we checked

  • Public APIOffers a documented API you can build against.No
  • Mobile appHas a native app for iOS or Android, not just a mobile website.No
  • Open source / self-hostableSource is open and the tool can be run on your own infrastructure.No
  • SSO (SAML)Supports SAML single sign-on on at least one plan.No

“Not checked” means exactly that — we have not verified it, and we do not guess.

Evidence and freshness

Status: Vendor pricing page verifiedReviewed: 2026-09-08

  • Alfred — Buy the Powerpack ↗

    Checked 2026-09-08 · Supports: core features free, Powerpack v5 single licence £34; Mega Supporter £59 with free lifetime upgrades, macOS only

Limit: Vendor pricing page was reviewed by an editor on this date; this record is not a ToolCompare benchmark. Prices and limits change. Prices are published in GBP by the vendor; no USD figure is quoted.

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