Luneta
What to look for in a Windows launcher
A launcher replaces the Windows search with a faster bar, triggered by a global shortcut. Before picking one, compare:
- Price — truly free or freemium with paid features?
- Platform — native Windows 10/11 support and active maintenance.
- AI in the launcher — does it integrate models like ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude directly into the search bar?
- Local apps — does it open installed apps without another window?
- Privacy — where do your data and history live?
1. Luneta — free, with 8 AIs and apps
Luneta is built for Windows with Tauri and Rust: lightweight and native, no Electron. Press Alt+Space and type:
- A question — sent to Qwen (no login), ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Mistral, DeepSeek, Kimi or Perplexity, with the AI web app embedded right in the window;
- The name of an app — Start Menu shortcuts (.lnk) are read and opened with Enter;
- A math expression — the built-in calculator solves it and copies the result.
What makes Luneta stand out
- 100% free, no subscription;
- 8 AI providers in the launcher, with Turbo mode on Qwen;
- Qwen works without creating an account;
- Built-in calculator and local history;
- Auto-update via GitHub Releases.
2. Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher is one of the best-known free launchers for Windows, with a plugin ecosystem. Great for heavy customization — though AI integration depends on third-party plugins and is not built in.
3. PowerToys Run (Microsoft)
Microsoft's PowerToys Run is free, but intentionally minimal: it launches apps, files and a few commands. There is no built-in AI or chat window.
4. Kunkun
Kunkun is a cross-platform launcher built with Tauri and Svelte, focused on extensions. It covers Windows, macOS and Linux, but its ecosystem is still young.
5. SuperCmd
SuperCmd positions itself as an alternative to Raycast, but it is focused on macOS (Windows/Linux support is in development) and does not include conversational AI natively like Luneta.
Quick comparison
| Launcher | Free | Built-in AI | Native Windows | Local apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luneta | ✅ | ✅ 8 providers | ✅ 10/11 | ✅ Start Menu |
| Flow Launcher | ✅ | ⚠️ via plugin | ✅ | ✅ |
| PowerToys Run | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kunkun | ✅ | ⚠️ roadmap | ⚠️ cross-platform | ✅ |
| SuperCmd | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ in dev | ✅ |
What about Raycast itself?
Raycast is excellent and pioneered the modern launcher style, but: on Windows the version is still beta; AI and advanced extensions require the paid Pro plan; and the code is proprietary. If you want the same experience free and native on Windows, Luneta covers the essentials — and even brings 8 AIs for free.
FAQ: Raycast alternatives
What is the best free Raycast alternative for Windows?
If you want AI and apps in one bar, Luneta is the most complete option: free, with 8 AI providers and Start Menu app launching via Alt+Space.
Is Raycast for Windows free?
Raycast has a free plan, but features like AI and advanced extensions require the paid Pro plan. The Windows version is still in beta.
Is there a free Raycast alternative?
Yes. Luneta, Flow Launcher and PowerToys Run are examples of free Windows launchers.
Bottom line: for a free, native Windows launcher with built-in AI and local apps, Luneta is the most complete Raycast alternative today.