Raycast
FreemiumAI-powered macOS launcher
Personal AssistantFreemium
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About Raycast
Raycast is a blazingly fast, totally extendable launcher. It lets you complete tasks, calculate, share common links, and much more. It's a collection of powerful productivity tools all within an extendable launcher, designed to be fast, ergonomic, and reliable.
How to Use
Type to filter entries and use commands. Raycast allows you to search for apps and commands, search emoji and symbols, manage clipboard history, search files, define words, search Google or DuckDuckGo, manage windows, and much more.
Key Features
- Extendable launcher
- Clipboard History
- Quicklinks
- Calculator
- Snippets
- Emoji Picker
- Window Management
- AI integration
- Notes
Use Cases
- Searching for apps and commands
- Managing clipboard history
- Creating and using quicklinks
- Performing calculations
- Managing windows
- Automating tasks with AI
- Taking quick notes
Key Features
Extendable launcher
Clipboard History
Quicklinks
Calculator
Snippets
Emoji Picker
Window Management
AI integration
Notes
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely fast with sub-millisecond response times
- Ergonomic, keyboard-first design reduces mouse dependence
- Highly reliable with a 99.8% crash-free rate
- Extendable via a large store of community and official extensions
- Integrated AI capabilities (Quick AI, AI Chat, AI Commands) are powerful and context-aware
- Free version includes all core functionality and access to thousands of extensions
- Cross-platform: available on macOS and Windows (beta)
- Used and recommended by well-known professionals in tech and design
Cons
- Windows version is still in beta, with limited features compared to macOS
- Free AI features are limited to a set number of messages; Pro subscription ($8/month) required for unlimited AI access
- Pro plan is bundled with AI — cannot purchase Pro without AI, though AI can be disabled
- Team free plan has a cap on shared resources (30 snippets, 30 quicklinks, 5 commands)
- Keyboard-first approach may have a learning curve for users accustomed to mouse navigation
- Advanced AI models (e.g., GPT-4) are only available as a paid add-on to the Pro plan
Best For
Searching for apps and commandsManaging clipboard historyCreating and using quicklinksPerforming calculationsManaging windowsAutomating tasks with AITaking quick notes
Alternatives to Raycast
FAQ
Why is Raycast free for personal use?
Raycast is free for individuals to make productivity accessible to everyone. The free plan includes all built-in extensions and access to public community extensions.
Is it possible to get the Pro plan without AI?
No, Pro plans only come with AI included. However, you can turn off AI completely in Settings to disable all AI features.
What is free and paid in Raycast AI?
Free users get a limited number of AI messages to try all AI features. Pro plan ($8/month) provides continued access with an additional 14-day free trial. Advanced AI models are an add-on to the paid Pro plan.
Is the free Team plan a trial?
No, the free Team plan does not expire. It includes up to 30 shared Snippets, 30 shared Quicklinks, and 5 Commands across all extensions.
Does Raycast have a Student Program?
Yes, Raycast offers a 50% discount on the Pro plan for verified students. The discount applies only to the Pro plan, not the Advanced AI add-on.