A long-time user of Alfred on Mac, I recently switched to Raycast on Windows, discovering a powerful tool that enhances productivity. After receiving an invitation to the beta version from a friend, I decided to give it a try. What started as a curiosity has turned into a daily essential for my workflow.
The Raycast beta for Windows, although not as feature-rich as its Mac counterpart, delivers a polished experience. It offers numerous features, including extensions, shortcuts, clipboard history, a calculator, currency conversion, file search, quick links, and an emoji picker. I have found the currency converter particularly useful, allowing me to instantly convert values into my local currency. Additionally, the clipboard history feature significantly improves efficiency compared to Windows’ built-in options.
Features that Elevate Productivity
Raycast’s capabilities extend beyond standard application launching. The built-in calculator is accessible by simply typing an equation, while the file search function offers enhanced performance compared to traditional Windows methods. These tools create a more seamless experience than alternatives like Flow Launcher or Wox.
Extensions represent the standout feature of Raycast. These add-ons enhance functionality, and the Windows beta already includes several useful options. Although not all extensions are available on Windows, I have installed the Home Assistant, Obsidian, Google Translate, and GitHub extensions, each integrating smoothly with Raycast. For instance, the Home Assistant extension allows me to control devices such as lights and cameras directly from Raycast.
Despite the slow development process, the consistent stability I experienced over the past week has been impressive. However, the limitation of many extensions still being exclusive to macOS has been a drawback, particularly for features like Spotify integration.
A Compelling Alternative for Windows Users
Raycast has finally provided me with the Alfred-like experience I have longed for on Windows. Even in its beta stage, the platform feels robust enough for daily use, and I anticipate further enhancements as more extensions are developed. Although the upcoming AI tools will require a paid subscription, I have yet to find a need for them in my current usage.
As I continue to enjoy Raycast on my Windows PC, I am contemplating whether to transition to it on my Mac as well. The application has proven to be a significant improvement over built-in Windows search and other applications. My experience thus far has made me a believer in Raycast, and I look forward to its ongoing evolution.