Quicksilver vs. Alfred
Searching for the best Mac launcher? Here's why Quicksilver is the choice for power users who want total control—for free.
Both Quicksilver and Alfred are keyboard-driven productivity apps for macOS that help you launch applications, find files, and automate tasks. Alfred launched in 2010 and has become popular for its polished interface and workflow system.
Quicksilver pioneered this category back in 2003 and takes a fundamentally different approach: while Alfred focuses on finding things, Quicksilver focuses on doing things. Its noun-verb-object model lets you chain actions together fluidly—and every feature ships free and open source.
Why Quicksilver?
Act, Don't Just Search
Alfred searches. Quicksilver acts. Select a file → Email it → To a colleague. All without touching the mouse.
Truly Free & Open
No 'Powerpacks,' no paid upgrades. Clipboard history, theming, deep system control—all free forever.
Spotlight Independent
Quicksilver builds its own catalog. Lightning fast and works instantly, even if Spotlight is broken or indexing.
Context Aware
Use Proxy Objects to instantly act on your current Finder selection. Select a file, hit a hotkey, move it instantly.
Ready to try Quicksilver?
Download for free and experience the power of a true action-based launcher.
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