The Best 42 True Launch Bar Alternatives

  • Docky icon

    Docky

    Docky is a full fledged dock application that makes opening common applications and managing windows easier and quicker. Docky is fully integrated into the GNOME Desktop and features a no non-sense approach to configuration and usage.

    Free Open Source Linux

  • RecentX

    RecentX is an innovative launcher that gives you instant access to your files, folders, programs, websites & clipboard history. It automatically remembers your favorite & recent items so that you can launch them even faster.

    Commercial Windows

  • Cairo-Dock

    A light, eye-candy, fully themable, MacOSX-like animated dock for any Linux desktop.

    Free Open Source Linux Xfce

  • Avant Window Navigator

    Avant Window Navigator (AWN/Awn) is a dock-like navigation bar for the linux desktop that positions itself at the bottom of the screen. It can be used to keep track of open windows and behaves like a normal window list.

    Free Open Source Linux

  • ObjectDock

    ObjectDock is a program that enables users to organize their shortcuts, programs and running tasks into an attractive and fun animated Dock.

    Commercial Windows

  • XLaunchpad

    XLaunchpad gives you instant access to all your shortcuts. Arrange apps in XLaunchpad any way you like by dragging icons to different locations or by grouping apps in folders. Simply drag one icon over another to create a folder.

    Freemium

  • 7stacks

    7stacks is an easy to use, free app that lets Windows 7 (and Vista and XP) users have "stacks" of icons in their Taskbar (in 7) or QuickLaunch Toolbar (in Vista and XP).

    Free Windows

  • Winstep Nexus

    The Winstep Nexus Dock is a FREE professional dock for Windows. With Nexus, your most frequently used applications are only a mouse click away - and Nexus turns working with your computer into a fun and exciting experience.

    Freemium Windows

  • tint2

    tint2 is a simple panel/taskbar unintrusive and light (memory / cpu / aestetic). We try to get virtual desktop and multi-monitor easier to use. We follow freedesktop specifications. As of version 0.

    Free Open Source Linux BSD

  • GnomePanel

    GnomePanel is a highly configurable launcher and taskbar for GNOME. It forms a core part of the default GNOME desktop.

    Free Open Source Linux

  • Appetizer

    Appetizer is a free application launcher, or dock, for Windows. It allows organizing your shortcuts and folders into a convenient dock. The app is open source, which...

    Free Open Source Windows

  • Circle Dock

    The idea behind Circle Dock is that the dock should appear where your mouse is instead of you having to move your mouse to the dock like with other programs.

    Free Open Source Windows

  • PaperPlane Smart Launch

    Launch your desktop like an iPad and get instant access to your apps, games, files, urls and more.

    Free Windows

  • Wise HotKey

    Launch applications and system tools, Control Panel items, folders on your computer, and website addresses using simple key combinations.

    Commercial Windows