smolcast
Open source
Best for a small, quiet Windows launcher
smolcast vs Wox
Wox runs everywhere and does a lot, AI included. smolcast is Windows only, smaller, and stays out of AI.
Updated Checked against woxlauncher.com and its repository (v2.4.7). Sources
Wox
Open-source project
Best for one launcher on every OS, with AI
Feature by feature
Bold marks where smolcast comes out ahead, and only where the other side publishes the fact.
| smolcast | Wox | |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Price | Free | Free |
| Source | Open source (MIT) | Open source (GPL-3.0) |
| Runs on | Windows 11 | Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Account | None | None; optional Cloud Sync |
| Default hotkey | CtrlAltSpace | Not published |
| Features | ||
| Clipboard history | Built inText and images. Encrypted on disk | Built in |
| Snippets | Built inFind by name or keyword. No auto-expand | Not listed |
| Emoji picker | Built inEvery emoji, in color | Built in |
| File search | Built inThrough Windows Search | Built in |
| Calculator | Built inUnits too. Enter pastes | Built inPlus a converter |
| Quicklinks | Built inKeywords with {query} | Web search |
| Extensions | NoScripts and quicklinks instead | Plugin storeNode.js, Python or scripts |
| AI | No | AI Chat |
| Window management | No | Window layouts |
| Under the hood | ||
| Download | 7 MB, one .exeNo installer | WinGet, Scoop or ChocolateySize not published |
| Idle | 0% CPU while hidden | About 150 MB of memory |
| Privacy | No telemetryOne daily update check, can be turned off | See the project |
Pick the one that fits
Go with smolcast if
- You’re on Windows 11 and want something small
- You want no AI at all
- You prefer the MIT license
- You want unit conversions that paste on Enter
Go with Wox if
- You want the same launcher on Windows, Mac and Linux
- You want AI chat and AI commands
- You want notes, timers, screenshots and more
- You want a plugin store
Coming from Wox
-
Web searchesQuicklinks with a
{query}URL - Shell commandsTracked script files, each with an optional hotkey
- ClipboardClipboard History, or Windows' own history when it’s on
Try smolcast
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