SOL is a free, open-source macOS launcher built as a lightweight alternative to Spotlight, Alfred, and Raycast, focused on speed and minimal setup. It bundles an app and file launcher with an emoji picker, calculator, clipboard history, calendar lookup, window management, and quick notes into a single keyboard-driven command bar.
Wox is a lightweight, open-source launcher that allows users to quickly access their favorite applications, files, and web searches. With its simple and intuitive interface, Wox provides a seamless user experience across multiple platforms.
- Completely free and open source
- No account, telemetry, or data collection
- Combines several utilities in one lightweight app
- Installable via Homebrew for easy setup
- Highly customizable
- Extensive plugin ecosystem
- Lightweight and fast
- Cross-platform compatibility
- macOS only
- Smaller plugin ecosystem than Alfred or Raycast
- Community-maintained with less polish in some edge features
- Limited documentation
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited support for certain file types
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to SOL
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Alternatives to Wox
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Free, open-source set of Windows utilities for power users and developers.
A free, open-source quick launcher and search bar for Windows, triggered with a hotkey.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth launchers are free, but Wox offers broader cross‑platform customization while SOL provides a macOS‑only, all‑in‑one experience with built‑in utilities.
Key differences
- •Platform support: Wox works on multiple OSes; SOL is macOS‑only.
- •Built‑in utilities: SOL includes calculator, clipboard history, emoji picker; Wox relies on plugins.
- •Plugin ecosystem: Wox has a large, extensible plugin community; SOL’s ecosystem is smaller.
- •Ease of onboarding: Wox has a steep learning curve; SOL is more ready‑to‑use out of the box.
- •Specific integrations: SOL ships with Spotify media‑key support and bookmark search; Wox has no listed integrations.
Pricing & value
Both are free and open‑source, offering comparable cost‑free value.
Ease of use / learning curve
Wox notes a steep learning curve for beginners; SOL has no such drawback mentioned.
Features & depth
Wox provides extensive plugin ecosystem and cross‑platform search; SOL bundles fewer built‑in tools.
Integrations & ecosystem
SOL lists specific integrations (Spotify, bookmarks); Wox lists no integrations.
Support
Wox offers GitHub Issues, Discussions, and Reddit; SOL only lists GitHub issues.
Security & privacy
SOL explicitly states no telemetry or data collection; Wox provides no privacy statement.
Choose SOL if…
macOS‑only power users who want an integrated launcher with calculator, clipboard, and media controls.
Choose Wox if…
Cross‑platform power users/developers needing extensive plugins and customization.
Common questions
Is either launcher paid?
Both are free and open‑source.
Can I use Wox on macOS?
Wox is cross‑platform, so it runs on macOS as well as other desktops.
Which has more built‑in utilities without extra plugins?
SOL includes a calculator, clipboard history, emoji picker, and unit conversions out of the box; Wox relies on plugins for similar functions.