Compare · Alfred
Alfred is a long-running Mac launcher with a Powerpack that adds workflows, clipboard history, snippets and file navigation. Supermac is a newer native app built around one search field, with AI, window snapping and a set of everyday utilities already inside it.
Alfred wins on custom workflows and Powerpack staples. Supermac wins when you want AI, window snapping, File Shelf and break reminders built in without assembling workflows.
Visit Alfred| What you want to do | Supermac | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Open apps and files from the keyboard | Launcher search opens apps from one native field, with math, emoji and window layouts handled by the same field. Launcher search docsMath docsEmoji & symbols docs | Alfred's core search opens apps and files, with file-search keywords and custom web searches. Source: Alfred Features |
| Build or install custom workflows | A curated plugin directory with 24 plugins for specific tools and services, searchable from the launcher. GitHubHomebrewHome AssistantSpotify | The Powerpack workflow editor, Automation Tasks and the Alfred Gallery go much deeper for custom, multi-step automations. Source: Alfred Workflows |
| Search clipboard history and expand snippets | Not part of the current Supermac feature list. Supermac focuses on launcher search, AI and the built-in utilities documented on the feature list. | Clipboard history and snippets with auto-expansion are Powerpack features, with file navigation and Universal Actions alongside them. Source: Alfred Clipboard History |
| Chat with an AI using your own key | Built-in streaming AI chat with your own OpenAI, Claude, Gemini or Grok key, or a local Ollama or LM Studio model. AI chat with your own key docs | AI comes from Alfred workflows: community workflows today, plus Alfred 6's announced optional AI workflow with your own API key. There is no bundled AI subscription. Source: Alfred 6 |
| Snap windows from the keyboard | Snap the focused window to halves, thirds and corners from the launcher. Window snapping docs | Alfred's documented feature list does not include window snapping; Gallery workflows or a separate app cover it. Source: Alfred Features |
| Keep small utilities in the same app | Math, emoji and symbols, translation, screenshots and break reminders are built in and documented one page each. Math docsEmoji & symbols docsTranslator docsScreenshots docsBreaks docs | Calculator and dictionary are built in; translation, emoji search, screenshots and break reminders are not in Alfred's documented feature list and come from workflows or other apps. Source: Alfred Features |
| Hold files while you move between windows | File Shelf holds files while you move to the destination, then you drag them out where they belong. File Shelf docs | File navigation and Universal Actions work on Finder selections; a temporary shelf is not part of the documented feature set. Source: Alfred Universal Actions |
| Take regular screen breaks | Breaks reminds you to step away from the screen and take a break. Breaks docs | Break reminders are not part of Alfred's documented feature list; a workflow or separate app covers it. Source: Alfred Features |
Last checked October 2026. Competitor notes summarise Alfred's official documentation and can change; each row links its source. Every Supermac row links to a shipped feature documented on this site.
Sources: Alfred Features · Alfred Workflows · Alfred Clipboard History · Alfred Snippets and Text Expansion · Alfred Universal Actions · Alfred Powerpack · Alfred 6
Pick Supermac
Pick Alfred
No. Alfred's workflow editor and Powerpack features go deeper than Supermac's plugin directory. Supermac covers a smaller, more opinionated set of jobs that are built in rather than assembled.
AI in Alfred comes from workflows. Community workflows cover it today, and Alfred 6's announced optional AI workflow uses the LLM and API key you choose; there is no bundled AI subscription. Supermac includes AI chat with your own key or a local model.
Not in the current feature list. If clipboard history or text expansion is essential, Alfred's Powerpack is the stronger fit; the comparison table marks the gap.
Yes. Alfred and Supermac are macOS apps. Supermac requires macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
Download the beta, or buy the one-time license for up to 3 Macs.
