Alternatives · Utilities
Microsoft PowerToys alternatives
Microsoft PowerToys compared with 12 alternatives: Raycast, Flow Launcher, AutoHotkey, DisplayFusion, Komorebi and 7 more.
Microsoft PowerToys is free to use. 9 of the 12 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 3 more offer a free trial.
12 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft PowerToysThis tool | Free | Free | Windows |
| Raycast | Free plan · from $96/yr | Yes | macOS, Windows, iOS, Browser extension |
| Flow Launcher | Free | Free | Windows |
| AutoHotkey | Free | Free | Windows |
| DisplayFusion | Free plan · from $34 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Komorebi | Free plan · from $10/mo | Yes | macOS, Windows |
| EarTrumpet | Free | Free | Windows |
| Everything | Free | Free | Windows |
| Fences | Free trial · from $9.99/yr | Trial only | Windows |
| KeepingYouAwake | Free | Free | macOS |
| Listary | Free plan · from $19.95 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Synergy | Free trial · from $15 one-time | Trial only | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| TextSniper | Free trial · from $7.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from Microsoft PowerToys
- Free plan · from $96/yr
Raycast
Keyboard launcher with extensions, clipboard history and AI
- Raycast starts at $96 / year, billed annually. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Only Raycast lists macOS and iOS apps.
- Only Raycast lists a browser extension.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Raycast also covers clipboard manager and text expansion.
Suits: Mac and Windows users who prefer the keyboard to the mouse
- Free
Flow Launcher
Free, open-source app launcher and file search for Windows
- Flow Launcher is free. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Flow Launcher also covers calculator.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want a keyboard launcher at no cost
- Free
AutoHotkey
Free, open-source scripting language for Windows automation
- AutoHotkey is free. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- AutoHotkey also covers workflow automation and text expansion.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management and file management.
Suits: Windows users who want custom hotkeys and key remaps at no cost
- Free plan · from $34 one-time
DisplayFusion
Multi-monitor taskbars, wallpaper and window control for Windows
- DisplayFusion starts at $34 one-time purchase per machine (Pro Standard, lifetime license). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- DisplayFusion can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- DisplayFusion also covers display control.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users working across two or more monitors
- Free plan · from $10/mo
Komorebi
Tiling window manager for Windows, with a separate Mac version
- Komorebi starts at $10 per month for a single-platform commercial license ($110 billed annually). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Only Komorebi lists a macOS app.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want automatic tiling in the style of bspwm or yabai
- Free
EarTrumpet
Per-app volume mixer for the Windows system tray
- EarTrumpet is free. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- EarTrumpet also covers menu bar app.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want a different volume for each app
- Free
Everything
Instant file and folder name search for Windows
- Everything is free. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want to find files and folders by name as they type
- Free trial · from $9.99/yr
Fences
Windows desktop organizer that groups icons into shaded areas
- Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
- Fences can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users whose desktop is crowded with shortcuts and files
- Free
KeepingYouAwake
Menu bar utility that stops a Mac from going to sleep
- KeepingYouAwake is free. Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Only KeepingYouAwake lists a macOS app.
- Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
- KeepingYouAwake also covers menu bar app.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers launcher, window management, file management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Mac users who need the computer to stay awake for a set time
- Free plan · from $19.95 one-time
Listary
File search and app launcher for Windows with Quick Switch
- Listary starts at $19.95 one-time payment (Listary Pro). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Listary can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
- Microsoft PowerToys also covers window management and keyboard and mouse remapping.
Suits: Windows users who want file-name search and an app launcher in one tool
- Free trial · from $15 one-time
Synergy
Share one keyboard and mouse across Windows, Mac and Linux PCs
- Synergy starts at $15 one-time payment (Synergy 3 Lite, personal use). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. Synergy does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Synergy lists macOS and Linux apps.
- Synergy can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Microsoft PowerToys is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Desks with a Windows PC, a Mac and a Linux machine side by side
- Free trial · from $7.99 one-time
TextSniper
Mac menu bar tool that copies text from any part of the screen
- TextSniper starts at $7.99 one-time purchase (license for 1 Mac). Microsoft PowerToys is free.
- Microsoft PowerToys has a free plan. TextSniper does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only TextSniper lists a macOS app.
- Only Microsoft PowerToys lists a Windows app.
- TextSniper can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Copying text out of videos, screenshots, scanned PDFs and slides
Limits worth knowing in Microsoft PowerToys
- Windows only: it needs Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 2004 or newer on a 64-bit x64 or ARM64 processor.
- Paste with AI is off by default and needs a model provider; online providers require your own API key and may charge for usage.
- Keyboard Manager remaps apply only while PowerToys is running, do not work on the log-in screen and cannot differ between keyboards.
- FancyZones cannot snap some listed apps, and apps running elevated need PowerToys to run as administrator.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Microsoft PowerToys?
The alternatives to Microsoft PowerToys in this directory are Raycast, Flow Launcher, AutoHotkey, DisplayFusion, Komorebi, EarTrumpet, Everything, Fences, KeepingYouAwake, Listary, Synergy and TextSniper. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Microsoft PowerToys.
Is there a free alternative to Microsoft PowerToys?
Yes. Flow Launcher, AutoHotkey, EarTrumpet, Everything and KeepingYouAwake are free to use. Raycast, DisplayFusion, Komorebi and Listary have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which Microsoft PowerToys alternatives work on macOS?
The Microsoft PowerToys listing does not include a macOS app. Raycast, Komorebi, KeepingYouAwake, Synergy and TextSniper list one.
Which Microsoft PowerToys alternatives work on Linux?
The Microsoft PowerToys listing does not include a Linux app. Synergy lists one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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