You switch between apps all day, search for files, type the same texts over and over, and lose time on mouse clicks. Raycast is a launcher for Mac (and now also Windows in beta) that speeds up all those actions via your keyboard. You open apps, search files, manage windows, and use AI – all from one fast interface.
Who is behind Raycast?
Thomas Paul Mann and Petr Nikolaev founded Raycast Technologies Ltd in 2020, from London. They both worked at Facebook and were frustrated by slow internal tools and constantly switching between different apps. They wanted to build a “command line for the GUI” – a way to speed up workflows without taking your hands off the keyboard.
The idea caught on. Raycast has now raised $ 48 million from investors like Atomico, Accel, Coatue, and Y Combinator. The tool has hundreds of thousands of daily users, including engineers at Netflix and Vercel. What makes it special: the community built more than 1500 extensions that you can install for free. This ensures that Raycast is customizable for almost any workflow.
Who is Raycast for?
Raycast is made for people who spend a lot of time at their computer and value speed. Developers, product designers, and power users get the most out of it. You do need to be willing to learn shortcuts and work via your keyboard instead of your mouse.
It’s less suitable if you prefer working with your mouse or if you’re on Linux. The Windows version does exist, but is still in beta. For Mac users who want to optimize their workflow, however, it’s a logical choice.
What can Raycast do?
The free version already offers a tremendous amount of functionality. For advanced AI models, cloud sync of settings and clipboard, and extensive team features, you need a paid plan. Here are the main features:
- App & File Launcher: You open apps and files lightning fast by typing a few letters. No searching in folders or scrolling through your dock. I use this dozens of times a day and it really saves seconds per action.
- Clipboard History: Everything you copy is saved. You can go back in your clipboard history and paste old items again. Handy when you need to copy and paste multiple things without having to go back and forth.
- Window Management: You resize and position windows with keyboard shortcuts. I use this constantly to split my screen without manually dragging. It completely replaces tools like Rectangle or Magnet.
- Raycast AI: You can chat with AI models or have text improved, summarized or translated. This works directly in any app via a shortcut. The basic version uses simpler models, for GPT-4 or Claude you need Pro.
- Extensions Store: More than 1500 extensions made by the community. From Spotify control to GitHub integrations and calendar management. You install them with one click and they work immediately.
- Snippets: Text expansion where you have abbreviations automatically expand to entire sentences or paragraphs. For example, type “;;email” and your entire email signature appears. Saves a tremendous amount of typing for standard texts.
What I use most myself are the launcher and window management. Those two alone make Raycast worth it. The extensions are a bonus – I have a few installed for specific workflows, but you can easily do without them.
What does Raycast cost?
Raycast has a free version that is surprisingly complete. You get the launcher, clipboard history, window management, snippets, and access to all extensions. For many people, this is enough.
The Pro plan costs $ 10 per month or $ 96 per year (so $ 8 per month). With that, you get access to advanced AI models like GPT-4 and Claude, unlimited AI requests, cloud sync for your settings and clipboard, and a few extra features. The Team plan costs $ 15 per month or $ 144 per year ($ 12 per month) and adds team features like shared snippets and extensions.
There is a 14-day trial for the paid plans. I’ve been using the free version myself for years and don’t really miss anything. The AI features are nice, but I prefer to use other tools for AI. If you don’t need cloud sync, the paid version has little added value.
What should you watch out for?
The Windows version is still in beta. That means not all features work and you might run into bugs. If you’re on Windows, you’re better off waiting a bit longer or considering an alternative.
There is a learning curve for the shortcuts. You need to get used to working via your keyboard instead of your mouse. The first few days it might feel slower, but after that it becomes second nature. Some people also find the settings overwhelming – there are many options and customization possibilities.
Extensions are not all equally stable. Because they are made by the community, some don’t work perfectly or are no longer maintained. Sometimes you have to search a bit for an extension that works well. The subscription model also puts off people who prefer to pay once, as is possible with Alfred.
The data is stored in the United States, which is a point of attention for some people. Raycast is “local-first” – most data stays on your device – but cloud features like sync and AI use servers in the US.
Raycast alternatives
There are a few alternatives if Raycast doesn’t quite fit what you’re looking for:
- Alfred: Choose this if you don’t want to pay for a subscription. Alfred has been around longer and offers a one-time purchase option (Powerpack) instead of a recurring subscription. It has similar features but a less modern interface.
- Spotlight: Choose this if you don’t want to install additional software. Spotlight is built into macOS and works fine for basic searches and opening apps. It just has far fewer expansion options and features.
- PowerToys Run: Choose this if you work on Windows and are looking for a free open-source tool. It’s developed by Microsoft and offers similar launcher functionality, but with fewer extensions and features than Raycast.
Frequently asked questions
A few questions that come up often:
Is Raycast free to use?
Yes, the core features like the launcher, clipboard history and extensions are completely free for personal use. You only need a paid plan for advanced AI models and cloud sync.
Is Raycast available for Windows?
Yes, but the Windows version is currently in beta. That means not all features are available and you might run into bugs. For Mac it is already fully developed.
Where is my data stored?
Raycast is “local-first” – most data stays on your device. Cloud features like sync and AI use servers in the United States. If you don’t use cloud features, everything stays local on your Mac or Windows computer.
Conclusion
Raycast is an excellent launcher for Mac users who want to speed up their workflow. The free version is already surprisingly complete and replaces multiple separate tools. I use it myself daily and it really saves me time. For most people the free version is enough – the paid version mainly adds AI features that you can also get elsewhere. If you work on Mac and spend a lot of time behind your computer, just try it out. Windows users are better off waiting a bit longer until the beta is further along.
