| Product | Raycast |
| Website | raycast.com |
| Category | Mac Utility / Launcher |
| Pricing | Free (core launcher), Pro $8/mo (AI, cloud sync, themes) |
What Is Raycast?
Raycast is a productivity launcher for Mac that replaces Spotlight. Hit a keyboard shortcut, type what you want, and Raycast either does it or takes you there. Applications, files, clipboard history, window management, calculations, translations, AI chat — all from one input field.
Where Spotlight is an app launcher with search, Raycast is an extensible command palette for your entire computer. The extension store has thousands of integrations (GitHub, Jira, Notion, Linear, 1Password, AWS, Docker), and developers can build their own extensions in TypeScript.
Key Features
Extensions
The extension store is what makes Raycast more than a launcher. Search GitHub repos, create Jira issues, translate text, manage Docker containers, check AWS status — all without leaving the keyboard. Extensions are built in TypeScript with React, and the community has built thousands.
AI Chat
Built-in AI chat with GPT-4, Claude, and other models. Select text anywhere, hit a shortcut, and ask AI to explain, rewrite, translate, or summarize it. AI commands integrate with the clipboard and selected text, so the workflow is: select, shortcut, prompt, paste.
Clipboard History
Raycast tracks everything you copy. Search your clipboard history, pin frequent items, and paste from any point in history. This replaces separate clipboard managers. Text, images, files, and links are all tracked.
Window Management
Snap windows to halves, thirds, quarters, or custom positions with keyboard shortcuts. Replaces separate window management apps (Rectangle, Magnet). The shortcuts are customizable and apply instantly.
Who Is This For?
- Mac developers who live by the keyboard
- Anyone who uses Spotlight and wants more
- Power users with many apps and services
- Developers who build custom workflows
Pros
- Massively extensible (thousands of extensions)
- Built-in AI chat with multiple models
- Clipboard history and snippets
- Window management
- Free core launcher
- Developer-friendly (TypeScript + React extensions)
Cons
- Mac only
- Pro features require subscription ($8/mo)
- Can be overwhelming with too many extensions
- Extension quality varies
- Replaces Spotlight but requires learning
Verdict
Raycast is the best launcher for Mac. The core launcher is free, fast, and immediately useful as a Spotlight replacement. The extension ecosystem turns it into a command palette for your entire workflow: search GitHub, create issues, translate text, manage windows, chat with AI, all from one keyboard shortcut.
The free tier covers most users. Pro ($8/mo) adds AI chat, cloud sync, and custom themes. Whether the AI features are worth the subscription depends on how often you use AI in your workflow — if you already have a ChatGPT or Claude subscription, the Raycast AI integration offers a faster workflow (select text, shortcut, prompt) than switching to a browser tab.