Vicinae review (2026): is it any good?
Keyboard-driven launcher for Linux, macOS and Windows
Vicinae report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for a Raycast-style launcher on Linux
Vicinae is a keyboard launcher for Linux, macOS and Windows that runs many Raycast extensions, and it costs nothing. Raycast compatibility is hit and miss, the Mac build is Apple Silicon only, and there is no store rating to lean on.
Who Vicinae is for
- Fits if you run Linux and miss a Raycast-style launcher
- Works for people who want Raycast extensions without paying for Raycast
Who Vicinae is not for
- Skip it if you have an Intel Mac, because the macOS build is Apple Silicon only
- Not for you if you need every Raycast extension to work, as compatibility varies by extension
- Tight if you want a rated, polished installer, since no store rating is on record
- Watch out: custom extensions are written in React and TypeScript, so going beyond the built-ins takes some coding
Why Vicinae gets a 2.8
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree to download and run, with no paid tier in the docs, against a category where the cheaper quarter of paid tools starts at $0.83 a month.
- AFree plan and trialNothing is locked: the docs list no paid plan, so the whole launcher is free with no cap.
- CFeaturesApp launching, window switching, clipboard history and a calculator, but the docs say Raycast extensions run with varying results.
- CEase of useNo store rating on record, and extensions, script commands and dmenu mode mean some setup before it fits your routine.
- CPlatforms and integrationsLinux, macOS and Windows, but computers only, with no phone or web side and Raycast extensions as the only integration listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Vicinae's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/vicinae#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/vicinae.svg" alt="Vicinae: 2.8 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Vicinae stands among window managers and launchers
Vicinae's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 35 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 11.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 23 of 48) and worst on features (C, above 1).
Vicinae has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 49 window managers and launchers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Vicinae’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 17 of 48, level with 31
- AFree plan and trialAbove 23 of 48, level with 25
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 48, level with 33
- CEase of useAbove 8 of 48, level with 23
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 35 of 48, level with 12
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 window managers and launchers. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Vicinae, or make your own?
Keep it
Vicinae is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 2.8 is higher than 35 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade.
What you could make
- Calculator: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- A launcher wired into the operating system.
- Control over other apps' windows.
- A clipboard history running in the background of your computer.
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. Vicinae’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Vicinae?
Vicinae is a command launcher inspired by Raycast. It covers app launching, window switching, clipboard history, file search and a calculator, and it can run many Raycast extensions. Extensions are written in React and TypeScript. The source is on GitHub under GPL-3.0.
Worth knowing
- The macOS build is for Apple Silicon Macs only, per the install page.
- Compatibility with Raycast extensions varies by extension.
Key features
- App launcher and window switcher
- Opens apps and switches between open windows from a keyboard-driven palette.
- Clipboard history
- Works as a clipboard manager alongside the launcher.
- Raycast extension support
- The docs say many Raycast extensions run, with varying results; simpler ones work well.
- Extensions and scripts
- Extend it with dmenu mode, script commands or React and TypeScript extensions, installable from within the app.
- Theming and window APIs
- Offers theming and window management APIs that the docs contrast with Raycast's paid tier.
Vicinae pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Vicinae is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | The docs list no paid tier; the project describes itself as unlocking features Raycast charges for. |
Read from docs.vicinae.com on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Vicinae before you buy.
Works with
- Raycast extensions
Vicinae alternatives
- Vicinae vs Sol
Free
- Vicinae vs Wox
Free
Common questions
Does Vicinae have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Vicinae is listed for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Does Vicinae have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Vicinae is listed for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Is Vicinae open source?
Yes. Vicinae is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.