7 Best Alfred Alternatives To Maximize Your Productivity
Being productive is important. However, overworking in an attempt to be productive is proven to not be effective. In fact, studies show that working less time can help you be more productive.
The goal, then, should be to maximize your productivity in a shorter amount of time. That makes sense because nobody wants to spend many hours doing the same task when, if done a certain way, it can be completed in less time.
While Alfred is a great app, it works solely for macOS. If you get a new computer that doesn’t run on macOS, you won’t be able to use Alfred. There are many other options available that work on other operating systems.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll look at the 7 best free alternatives to Alfred and the pros and cons of each to help you make your decision on which productivity app to use.
Yes, we did put Text Blaze as #1, but let me explain. Our users will tell you that Text Blaze is an incredibly useful productivity tool because it helps them reduce the amount of time they spend on repetitive typing tasks, which allows them to focus on other work that matters.
Text Blaze
Text Blaze helps boost productivity and focus on the work that’s important to you by helping you stop writing the same repetitive phrases over and over again.
Text Blaze offers many features that can help you not only make typing easier, but also automate and customize your messages, emails, and templates. Text snippets can be used through keyboard shortcuts that can be inserted anywhere. They can be normal text, or they can include form fields, dynamic text, or other integrations with other tools.
Pros
- Text Blaze is free. A subscription is not needed to get value out of it.
- Dynamic content allows you to automate and customize emails, messages, and responses to boost efficiency.
- Text snippets can be turned into templates that can be customized when inserted using form fields and formulas.
- You can import snippets from external tools and apps.
- You can collaborate with team members on Text Blaze through shared folders.
- Text Blaze Chrome Extension works on any website on Windows, macOS and Linux. (You can also use Text Blaze outside Chrome with the Text Blaze Desktop Apps - a Windows and macOS app is currently in beta)
Cons
- Only available on the Chrome Web Store and on the Microsoft Store.
Save hours of repetitive typing with keyboard shortcuts & templates for email.
Wox
Wox is a launcher for Windows that helps you find files, search the internet, use plugins, and create themes to match your desktop.
Pros
- Wox is free to use.
- It has 308 available plug-ins that help maximize productivity.
- Wox is open-sourced at GitHub.
Cons
- Limited to Windows users.
- Only offered in English and Chinese.
Listary
Listary is a file management system that helps you search for files and launch applications faster. It allows you to stop spending time sifting through folders on your computers for files you need.
Pros
- Allows you to search your entire disk drive quickly.
- Simple key commands help you jump from file managers to target folders.
- Listary helps you launch and switch apps without any hassle.
Cons
- Only compatible with Windows.
- Some features are only available for pro users.
Keypirinha
Keypirinha is a launcher for Windows that helps users find and launch applications, evaluate mathematical expressions, and complete other technical tasks quickly.
Pros
- Assists users with a vast array of technical tasks.
- Keypirinha uses commands to save time and make searches faster.
- Completely ad-free.
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users.
- Many plug-ins and features are complicated and use coding languages, such as Python.
Save hours of repetitive typing with keyboard shortcuts & templates for email.
Quicksilver
Quicksilver is a macOS productivity app that helps users perform everyday tasks much faster. It helps you keep track of your files and allows for the usage of various useful plugins.
Pros
- Has triggers that help you speed things up even further.
- Quicksilver has over 100 plug-ins for users to enjoy.
- Web and file search plugins make finding things on your computer easy.
- Free to use.
Cons
Limited to macOS.
Cerebro
Cerebro is a productivity tool that helps you search for files, look at maps and translations, and use plugins to get your work done.
Pros
- Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Open-source with a community that contributes to solving problems.
- Completely free to use and download.
- If they don’t have a plugin you like, you can create your own.
- 172 plug-ins offered.
Cons
- Limited search functions.
- Doesn’t offer key commands.
RecentX
RecentX is a file manager that uses a sidebar to help you conveniently access your files, folders, and programs on your computer in an instant.
Pros
- Offers a convenient desktop sidebar to help you access the program quickly.
- The sidebar auto-slides so that it doesn’t end up in your way.
- Access any files on your computer and anything in your internet history.
- Runs on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Cons
- Only offered for Windows.
- A license costs about $20.
- Must purchase to use.
Conclusion
Being productive is important, no matter what your job is. Having a productivity tool can help you spend less time worrying about small tasks and more time on the big ones. Ultimately, which tool you use depends on your needs, and each tool has its own uses that can help you maximize your time.
If you still aren’t sold on any of these options, give Text Blaze a try. You can create snippets to help you stop wasting time typing the same things over and over again, which allows you to focus on the work that matters and, ultimately, maximize your time while working.
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Want to turbo charge your work with templates and snippets? Text Blaze is the fastest way to do that.
