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Productivity

Raycast

Raycast is a keyboard-first command surface for Mac users who want to launch apps, find files, run built-in utilities, and reach smaller workflow tools without opening a chain of separate windows.

Apple SiliconFree plan with paid Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans
Official destinationsFree plan with paid Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans · Freemium subscription

macOS Tahoe for the reviewed V2 beta

Availability

Available for macOS

Apple Silicon; No Intel

Implementation

Mac launcher and extensions application

Evidence last checked

Verification

2026-08-21

Reviewed Overview

Raycast is a keyboard-first command surface for Mac users who want to launch apps, find files, run built-in utilities, and reach smaller workflow tools without opening a chain of separate windows. Its root search can bring together commands, snippets, quicklinks, clipboard history, window management, and extensions in one interface. The free tier includes the core feature set and access to the public Extensions Store, while Pro adds account-backed features such as Raycast AI, Cloud Sync, custom themes, and expanded history and notes. That split matters: the paid plan includes AI, and its subscription renews unless cancelled. Raycast also offers limited free AI messages and supports compatible bring-your-own API keys or local Ollama models, but those choices are not a substitute for checking the current plan and provider terms. The current official quickstart documents the V2 beta for macOS Tahoe and Apple silicon, so people on older Macs or different hardware should confirm the appropriate current download before changing their daily launcher. It is best for users willing to learn a hotkey and assemble a personal command set; a lightweight single-purpose app may be clearer for someone who only needs one utility.

Reviewed Features

  • Open apps, commands, files, folders, and utilities from Root Search instead of navigating each task through Finder or a separate menu.
  • Use built-in Clipboard History, Snippets, Quicklinks, Calculator, Window Management, and Hyper Key tools on the Free plan.
  • Install public extensions from the Extensions Store and add custom extensions when a workflow needs a developer-built command.
  • Use Pro for Raycast AI, Cloud Sync, Translator, unlimited notes, unlimited clipboard history, custom themes, and custom window management.

Reviewed Workflows

  • Set a hotkey, search for an app, file, or command, and keep the next action inside the command panel instead of opening several launch surfaces.
  • Install an extension for a repeated service or tool, then call it from Root Search alongside the built-in commands.
  • Try the limited free AI messages or a compatible personal API key before deciding whether the Pro subscription and its AI features fit the work.

Cautions

  • Raycast Pro includes AI and renews on a monthly or yearly subscription unless cancelled, so users who only need the core launcher should compare the Free plan first.
  • The current official quickstart lists the V2 beta for macOS Tahoe and Apple silicon; older Macs or a different current release path need confirmation before installation.
  • Cloud Sync and Pro features are account-based, so shared snippets, quicklinks, or extensions should be planned around the intended account and organization setup.

Verification Sources

These official or authorized sources support only the fact groups listed with each link. They were checked on the date shown; pricing, compatibility, and availability can change.

Screenshots

Raycast on Mac showing a file search result panel over a dark desktop workspace.
Raycast on Mac showing a window-management command panel and a keyboard-driven placement workflow.

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Free & Freemium Apps

Reviewed apps with a verified free or freemium purchase model.