Raycast AI
by Raycast Technologies Ltd. · Launched 2023
Raycast is a macOS launcher that bundles productivity tools into a fast, keyboard-first interface. Its built-in tools include Notes, Clipboard History, Window Management, Snippets, File Search, Calculator, Calendar, and System commands. Raycast AI adds an always-on assistant for coding, writing, and answering questions, plus custom AI Commands for automating repetitive tasks. The extension ecosystem offers thousands of integrations for tools like Linear, Notion, Slack, Spotify, and 1Password, all accessible without leaving the keyboard.
Overview
Raycast AI is a browser & desktop tool developed by Raycast Technologies Ltd., launched in 2023. Raycast is a macOS launcher that bundles productivity tools into a fast, keyboard-first interface. Its built-in tools include Notes, Clipboard History, Window Management, Snippets, File Search, Calculator, Calendar, and System commands. Raycast AI adds an always-on assistant for coding, writing, and answering questions, plus custom AI Commands for automating repetitive tasks. The extension ecosystem offers thousands of integrations for tools like Linear, Notion, Slack, Spotify, and 1Password, all accessible without leaving the keyboard. It is designed for keyboard-driven productivity without touching the mouse, quick note capture and thought recording, ai-powered coding and writing assistance and more. Key capabilities include Fast keyboard-first launcher, Raycast AI assistant, Custom AI Commands, Always-on ChatGPT integration, Raycast Notes and 11 additional features. Available on macos, windows, ios. The tool uses a freemium pricing model with a free plan available.
Raycast AI integrates with Linear, JIRA, Notion, Todoist, Obsidian, Slack and 7 other services.
macOS power users, developers, and professionals who want a faster, keyboard-driven workflow
Platforms
API
Free Plan
Open Source
Mobile App
Views
Updated
Full Review
Raycast: Complete Review
Raycast has redefined what a launcher can be. What started as a Spotlight alternative has grown into a comprehensive productivity platform that sits at the center of many macOS users' workflows. Its combination of speed, AI capabilities, and an extensive extension ecosystem makes it one of the most useful tools available for Mac users.
Keyboard-First Philosophy
Raycast is built around the idea that you should rarely need to touch the mouse. Every feature is accessible through keyboard shortcuts, and the interface appears and disappears instantly. The 99.8% crash-free rate speaks to the engineering quality. For users who value speed and efficiency, Raycast delivers immediately.
Built-In Tools
Beyond launching apps, Raycast includes genuinely useful built-in tools. Notes for quick capture. Clipboard history for referencing previously copied content. Window management for arranging your screen. Snippets and Quicklinks for automating repetitive text and navigation. These tools alone justify installing Raycast, even without the extensions or AI.
AI Integration
Raycast AI brings an always-on assistant into the launcher. Unlike switching to a ChatGPT tab, Raycast AI is always one keyboard shortcut away. It helps with coding questions, writing tasks, and general research. The custom AI Commands feature lets users create their own AI-powered actions, which is where Raycast's flexibility truly shines.
Extension Ecosystem
The Raycast Store offers thousands of extensions for popular tools: Linear, JIRA, Notion, Slack, Spotify, 1Password, and many more. This transforms Raycast from a launcher into a command center for your entire workflow. Developers can build their own extensions using React, TypeScript, and Node.
Pricing
The free tier covers most individual needs. Pro at $8/month is affordable and adds AI, cloud sync, and custom themes. Team plans add sharing and administration. The Advanced AI add-on unlocks the most capable models.
Considerations
Raycast is primarily a macOS experience. The Windows version is still in beta. AI features require Pro, and the most advanced models need an additional add-on. The sheer number of features can overwhelm new users.
Strengths
Considerations
Verdict
Raycast is the best choice for macOS power users who want a faster, smarter, and more connected workflow. Its combination of built-in tools, AI assistance, and extension ecosystem makes it the most complete productivity launcher available.
Features
Who It's For
macOS power users, developers, and professionals who want a faster, keyboard-driven workflow
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Blazingly fast and keyboard-focused workflow
- AI assistant always accessible without switching apps
- Thousands of extensions for popular tools
- Free tier covers most individual needs
- Custom AI Commands eliminate repetitive tasks
- 99.8% crash-free rate
Cons
- Primary macOS experience, Windows still in beta
- AI features require Pro subscription
- Advanced AI models require additional add-on
- Can feel overwhelming with so many features
- Not a full replacement for dedicated apps
PricingFreemium
Free
- Core launcher
- Built-in tools
- Clipboard history
- Window management
- Snippets
- File search
- Extensions store
- Basic AI commands
pro
- Raycast AI with many models
- Cloud sync
- Custom window management
- Raycast notes
- Custom themes
- Translator
- Pro-only extensions
Team
- Shared extensions privately
- Shared snippets and quicklinks
- Team management
- Admin controls
- Centralized billing
Advanced AI
- Access to more advanced AI models
- Available for Pro and Team
- Team manager can enable for all
Use Cases
Integrations
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