# Best Raycast Alternative for Chrome, Edge and Windows

Source: https://supercommands.com/blogs/best-raycast-alternative-chrome-edge
Author: Nikhil K
Updated: 2026-10-21

> Looking for a Raycast alternative for Chrome or Windows? Compare browser command bars, Raycast for Windows, PowerToys, Flow Launcher and Alfred.

Raycast has no command bar inside Chrome: its Chrome extension, Raycast Companion, only passes the current tab to the desktop app. If you live in Chrome, Edge or Brave or cannot install desktop apps on a work laptop, use a browser command bar like SuperCommands; for a whole-desktop launcher on Windows, use Raycast for Windows or Microsoft's free PowerToys Command Palette.

Prices below are from each vendor's official site as of October 2026.

## Does Raycast work on Windows or inside Chrome?

On Windows yes, in beta; inside Chrome, no.

- **Windows:** public beta since November 20, 2025, via the Microsoft Store or `winget install raycast` on Windows 10 21H2 or later ([Windows page](https://www.raycast.com/windows)). Cloud Sync is listed as coming later.
- **Chrome:** [Raycast Companion](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/raycast-companion/fgacdjnoljjfikkadhogeofgjoglooma) (70,000 users, 4.7 rating) lets Raycast AI read the active tab and requires the Raycast app. It adds no palette.
- **Linux and ChromeOS:** no Raycast app; a browser extension is the only option.

Raycast's [Free plan](https://www.raycast.com/pricing) includes quicklinks, snippets, 3 months of clipboard history and window management. AI starts with Pro at $10 a month or $96 a year.

## Raycast alternatives for Chrome and Windows, compared

| Tool | Runs on | Opens with | Price (Oct 2026) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SuperCommands | Chrome, Edge, Brave | `Alt + S` | Free, open source |
| Vimium | Chrome, Edge, Firefox | `o` or `T` | Free, open source |
| Raycast for Windows | Windows 10 21H2+ | Launcher hotkey | Free; Pro $10/month |
| PowerToys Command Palette | Windows | `Win + Alt + Space` | Free |
| Flow Launcher | Windows 10+ | `Alt + Space` | Free, open source |
| Alfred | macOS 10.14+ | Launcher hotkey | Free; Powerpack £34 |

### SuperCommands

**Best for:** Raycast-style quicklinks, snippets and page commands inside the browser.

[SuperCommands](https://github.com/supercommands) gives Chrome, Edge and Brave saved links, link collections, text expanders and AI chat agents, all opened from `Alt + S` or `c` plus Space in the address bar.

- Scenario: save issue tracker, staging, CI and release notes as `release`; `c release` opens all four. Raycast quicklinks open one URL each.
- Skip it if you need app launching, file search, clipboard history or window tiling.
- Price: free and open source; the local version is 100% free, forever.

### Vimium

**Best for:** jumping to tabs you already have open.

[Vimium](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/vimium/dbepggeogbaibhgnhhndojpepiihcmeb) searches open tabs with `T` and URLs, bookmarks and history with `o`.

- Fact: 600,000 users, MIT licensed, last updated March 2026.
- Skip it if you want saved tab sets or snippets.
- Price: free. More options in our [command palette roundup](https://supercommands.com/blogs/best-command-palette-extensions-chrome-edge-brave).

### Raycast for Windows

**Best for:** Mac Raycast users who also work on a PC.

It covers app launch, file search, clipboard history, snippets, quicklinks and AI. Most extensions work on both systems unless they need native code.

- Weakness: still bringing Mac features over; Cloud Sync not yet available.
- Skip it if you want a finished, stable launcher today.
- Price: Free plan; Pro from $10/month.

### PowerToys Command Palette

**Best for:** a free launcher from Microsoft.

[Command Palette](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/command-palette/overview) opens with `Win + Alt + Space` and launches apps, files (`file` plus a space), commands (`>`), web search (`??`) and settings (`$`).

- Strength: Bookmarks accept a `{query}` placeholder, close to Raycast quicklinks.
- Skip it if you need anything inside the browser tab.
- Price: free.

### Flow Launcher

**Best for:** an open-source, keyword-driven launcher on Windows.

[Flow Launcher](https://www.flowlauncher.com/) opens with `Alt + Space` and searches apps, files and bookmarks from your installed browsers.

- Fact: version 2.1.4 shipped September 20, 2026, with a plugin store.
- Skip it if you want one tool for Mac and Windows.
- Price: free, open source.

### Alfred

**Best for:** Mac users who want scripted Workflows.

[Alfred](https://www.alfredapp.com/) launches apps, finds files and searches the web; Alfred 5 is current, Alfred 6 in preview.

- Weakness: macOS only, no Windows or browser version.
- Workflows need the [Powerpack](https://www.alfredapp.com/powerpack/).
- Price: £34 single v5 license, £59 Mega Supporter.

## How do I recreate a Raycast quicklink in Chrome?

Use a SuperCommands dynamic link: any saved URL with `{query}` in it.

1. Press `Alt + S`, type `c link` and save `https://github.com/search?q={query}`.
2. In **Properties**, give it the text shortcut `gh`.
3. In the address bar type `c`, Space, `gh useeffect`, then Enter. GitHub search opens for "useeffect".

With no extra words, the saved URL opens as-is. See the [links docs](https://supercommands.com/docs/links).

> **Tip:** Pair a desktop launcher with a browser command bar: PowerToys or Flow Launcher for apps, SuperCommands for saved tabs, snippets and page actions.

## Which one should you pick?

- Pick **SuperCommands** if you work almost entirely in Chrome, Edge or Brave, or cannot install desktop software.
- Pick **Vimium** (or Chrome's `Ctrl + Shift + A`) if you mostly find open tabs. See [how to search tabs, links and notes from one command bar](https://supercommands.com/blogs/how-to-search-tabs-links-and-notes-from-one-command-bar).
- Pick **Raycast for Windows** if you already know Raycast, or **PowerToys Command Palette** for a free Microsoft launcher.
- Pick a text expander if you mainly need reusable replies; see our [text expander guide](https://supercommands.com/blogs/best-text-expander-extensions-chrome-edge-brave).

## FAQ

### Is Raycast available on Windows?

Yes, as a public beta since November 2025, from the Microsoft Store or WinGet. Some Mac features, including Cloud Sync, are still coming.

### Is there a Raycast extension for Chrome?

Raycast Companion, but it requires the Raycast app and adds no launcher inside Chrome.

### What is the best free Raycast alternative for Windows?

PowerToys Command Palette, free from Microsoft. Flow Launcher is a free, open-source option.

### Can I use Raycast on Linux or a Chromebook?

No Linux or ChromeOS version is listed. A Chrome extension such as SuperCommands or Vimium is the practical option.