2026 Guide

Best Launchpad Alternatives for Mac (macOS 26 & 27)

Apple removed Launchpad in macOS 26 Tahoe, and macOS 27 Golden Gate moved app discovery further toward AI-assisted search. These are the best Launchpad alternatives and replacements for Mac. The right choice depends on whether you want visual app browsing, folders, and drag-and-drop organization or keyboard automation.

Best for Launchpad usersVisual launcher

1. Launchie

Best for: Users who want the classic Launchpad experience back.

Launchie focuses on fullscreen app browsing, folder organization, mouse-friendly interaction, native macOS design, and customizable layout and appearance.

Unlike keyboard-focused launchers, Launchie recreates the familiar visual experience many Mac users miss.

Pros

Very similar to classic Launchpad
Easy to use
Great for trackpad and mouse users
Clean modern UI

Cons

Less focused on advanced automation

2. Raycast

Best for: Power users and keyboard workflows.

Raycast is extremely powerful and supports commands, clipboard history, extensions, AI features, and automation.

But it is not really a visual Launchpad replacement. It is better for people who want a command center for macOS.

Compare Raycast and Launchie

3. Alfred

Best for: Advanced keyboard productivity.

Alfred has existed for years and is popular among developers and productivity enthusiasts.

Like Raycast, it focuses heavily on keyboard workflows rather than visual browsing.

4. LaunchOS

Best for: People who want the old Launchpad recreated as literally as possible.

LaunchOS rebuilds Launchpad's pages and can import your old layout. It is sold as a direct download rather than through the Mac App Store.

Compare LaunchOS and Launchie

5. AppGrid

Best for: Macs still on an older macOS, and very large app libraries.

AppGrid runs on macOS 14.6 and newer, imports your Launchpad layout, and was the fastest launcher in the Mac & i test. Its App Store build leaves out what sandboxing blocks.

Compare AppGrid and Launchie

Deciding between the three visual launchers? Launchie vs LaunchOS vs AppGrid, side by side.

Which Launchpad Replacement Is Best?

If you want keyboard automation, Raycast or Alfred are strong options. If you want a macOS 26 or macOS 27 Launchpad replacement for visual app browsing, Launchie is the better fit.

Many users did not realize how much they relied on Launchpad until it changed. For visual Mac users, Launchie is one of the closest modern alternatives available.

If you are already watching Apple's next Mac update, see our dedicated macOS 27 Golden Gate Launchpad replacement page.

Bring Back Launchpad macOS 27 Golden Gate Why Launchpad Still Matters Launchie vs LaunchOS Launchie vs LaunchOS vs AppGrid