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smolcast
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Raycast

smolcast vs Raycast for Windows

Raycast brings an extension store, AI and Mac sync. smolcast skips all three and fits in 7 MB with no account.

Updated 23 Oct 2026 Checked against raycast.com/windows (v2.9). Sources

smolcast

Open source

Free
Open source
7 MB
No account

Best for the essentials, small and private

Raycast for Windows

Raycast

Free + Pro $10/mo
Closed source
Extensions
AI

Best for extensions, AI and a Mac + PC setup

Get Raycast for Windows

Feature by feature

Bold marks where smolcast comes out ahead, and only where the other side publishes the fact.

The basics
	smolcast	Raycast for Windows
Price	Free	Free; Pro $10/mo
Source	Open source (MIT) (the better pick)	Closed sourceExtensions are open
Runs on	Windows 11	Windows 10 and 11, plus macOS
Account	None (the better pick)	Needed for Pro, AI and sync
Default hotkey	`CtrlAltSpace`	Configurable
Features
Clipboard history	Built inText and images. Encrypted on disk	Built in
Snippets	Built inFind by name or keyword. No auto-expand	Built inExpands by keyword
Emoji picker	Built inEvery emoji, in color	Built in
File search	Built inThrough Windows Search	Built in
Calculator	Built inUnits too. Enter pastes	Built in
Quicklinks	Built inKeywords with {query}	Built in
Extensions	NoScripts and quicklinks instead	Raycast StoreShared with the Mac app
AI	No	ProQuick AI and AI Chat
Window management	No	Built in
Under the hood
Download	7 MB, one .exeNo installer	Microsoft Store or WinGetSize not published
Idle	0% CPU while hidden	Not published
Privacy	No telemetryOne daily update check, can be turned off (the better pick)	Collects usage data for analyticsPer its privacy policy

Pick the one that fits

Go with smolcast if

You just want the essentials, fast
You’d rather not make an account
You like a small app you can read the code of
You want zero AI and zero telemetry

Go with Raycast if

You want extensions (Linear, GitHub, Notion, Spotify…)
You want AI right in the launcher
You need window management
You also use Raycast on a Mac
You’re on Windows 10

Get Raycast for Windows

Coming from Raycast

Quicklinks[quicklinks.gh] in config.toml, same {query} idea
Snippets[snippets.sig] with a keyword. Found in the palette, not expanded as you type
Script commandsTrack Script File: any .ps1, .cmd, .py or program, with its own hotkey
CalculatorSame idea, but Enter pastes the answer instead of copying it

Try smolcast

Windows 11, x64
7 MB
Free and open source

Download