Volt vs Alfred
Comparing the modern Rust-powered launcher with the classic macOS productivity tool. Find out which is right for you.
Volt
Best Value- Cross-platform (Win/Mac/Linux)
- 100% Free (all features)
- Fastest launch (<50ms)
- Modern Rust architecture
Alfred
Established- macOS only
- Free + Powerpack ($34-$59)
- 14+ years of development
- Large workflow library
Key Differences
Platform Support
Volt works everywhere. Alfred is macOS exclusive.
Pricing Model
Volt is 100% free. Alfred's best features cost $34-$59.
Technology
Volt uses Rust for speed. Alfred is native Objective-C.
Maturity
Alfred has 14+ years. Volt is new but modern.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Volt | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Support | Full Windows 10/11 support | macOS only |
| macOS Support | Intel & Apple Silicon | Intel & Apple Silicon |
| Linux Support | Ubuntu, Fedora, AppImage | Not available |
| Launch Speed | <50msRust-powered performance | ~100msNative macOS app |
| Price | Free100% free forever | FreemiumPowerpack: $34-$59 |
| Workflows/Extensions | Free extension system | PaidRequires Powerpack ($34+) |
| Clipboard History | Built-in free | PaidRequires Powerpack |
| Snippets | Built-in free | PaidRequires Powerpack |
| File Search | Fast indexed search | Spotlight integration |
| Web Search | Customizable | Customizable |
| Calculator | Built-in | Built-in |
| Telemetry | NoneZero data collection | NonePrivacy-focused |
| Years on Market | New (2025)Modern architecture | 14+ yearsEstablished since 2010 |
Pricing Breakdown
Volt
- All features included
- Extensions/Workflows
- Clipboard History
- Snippets & Text Expansion
- Unlimited usage
- All future updates
Alfred
- Basic launcher
- Workflows
- Clipboard History
- Snippets
- Lifetime license (single version)
- Major upgrades cost extra
When to Choose What
Choose Volt if you...
- Use Windows or Linux (or multiple platforms)
- Want all features without paying
- Prioritize speed and modern technology
- Are starting fresh without existing workflows
- Want to develop plugins with Rust
- Value a low memory footprint
Choose Alfred if you...
- Only use macOS
- Have existing Alfred workflows you rely on
- Prefer a battle-tested, mature solution
- Don't mind paying for advanced features
- Want the largest workflow library
- Prefer Objective-C/AppleScript development
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Volt better than Alfred?
It depends on your needs. Volt is better if you need cross-platform support (Windows/Linux), want all features for free, or prioritize performance. Alfred is better if you're heavily invested in its workflow ecosystem and prefer a battle-tested solution.
Can Volt replace Alfred on macOS?
Yes, Volt offers similar core functionality to Alfred on macOS including app launching, file search, clipboard history, and workflows - all for free. Alfred's advanced features like workflows require the paid Powerpack ($34-$59).
Is Alfred's Powerpack worth it over Volt?
The Powerpack adds workflows, clipboard history, and snippets to Alfred for $34-$59. Volt includes all these features for free. Unless you have existing Alfred workflows you can't migrate, Volt offers better value.
Why is Volt faster than Alfred?
Volt is built with Rust, a systems programming language designed for performance. While Alfred is a well-optimized native macOS app, Volt's Rust foundation provides sub-50ms launch times compared to Alfred's ~100ms.
Does Volt have Alfred's Workflow feature?
Yes, Volt has an extension system similar to Alfred's Workflows. You can create custom extensions with TypeScript/React or Rust. Unlike Alfred, Volt's extension system is completely free.
Should I switch from Alfred to Volt?
Consider switching if you: work across multiple platforms, want to avoid the Powerpack cost, prioritize speed, or prefer modern Rust-based technology. Stay with Alfred if you have complex existing workflows or prefer its mature ecosystem.
Experience the Modern Alternative
Get all the features of Alfred Powerpack for free. Download Volt and see the difference.