LaunchHome vs Launchie: which Launchpad replacement fits you
LaunchHome and Launchie both bring a visual app launcher back to macOS 26 and 27. Here is how they differ on layout, price, devices per license, gestures and where you can buy them
The short answer
Disclosure: this comparison is written by the LaunchHome team. Launchie’s details come from its own website and help pages as of 2026-10-19; check them before you buy.
Pick LaunchHome if you want the classic Launchpad layout, with pages you swipe between, and a lower one-time price. The trackpad gesture is free and Intel Macs are supported.
Pick Launchie if you want to buy through the Mac App Store, need one purchase to cover more than three Macs, or are moving from LaunchOS or LaunchNext and want to import from them.
Side by side
Checked on 2026-10-19.
| LaunchHome | Launchie | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | Pages you swipe between, like the original Launchpad | One scrolling grid, with Spaces and a quick access row |
| Price | Free; Pro is a one-time $9.9 | Free; Pro is $14.99 once, or monthly or yearly on the Mac App Store |
| Macs per Pro purchase | 3 | Direct: up to 5. App Store: every Mac on your Apple Account |
| Import old Launchpad layout | Yes, free | Yes, free |
| Import from other replacements | No | LaunchOS and LaunchNext |
| Trackpad gesture | Free (four- or five-finger pinch) | Pro, direct version only |
| Hot corner | Pro | Pro |
| Uninstall with leftovers | Pro | Not listed |
| Where to get it | Direct download and Homebrew | Mac App Store, direct download and Homebrew |
| Macs | Apple silicon and Intel | Apple silicon; Intel untested |
| macOS | 26 and 27 | 26 and later |
Sources: Launchie · Launchie: Installation · Launchie vs AppGrid (Launchie’s own comparison)
Layout: pages or one scrolling grid
This is the biggest difference. LaunchHome copies the original Launchpad: a fixed grid split into pages, a swipe or drag to the edge to turn the page, and folders made by dropping one icon on another.
Launchie shows one grid that scrolls, adds Spaces for grouping and a row of quick access apps at the top. Many people like it, but it works differently from the Launchpad you remember.
If muscle memory matters, for example knowing your browser is on page two, top left, LaunchHome will feel familiar right away.
Price and licenses
LaunchHome Pro is a one-time $9.9 that activates up to 3 Macs and includes all 1.x updates, with a 14-day money-back guarantee. Every new install gets 7 days of Pro to try.
Launchie Pro is $14.99 once, and the Mac App Store also offers monthly and yearly plans. A direct license covers up to five Macs, and an App Store purchase covers every Mac on your Apple Account plus Family Sharing.
Both keep the basic grid and old layout import free.
Where Launchie is ahead
It’s on the Mac App Store, with 4.6 out of 5 from 141 ratings as its site shows. If you prefer installs and purchases through Apple, that settles it.
It can import layouts from LaunchOS and LaunchNext, which helps if you’re switching from one of them.
One purchase covers more Macs.
Where LaunchHome is ahead
The classic paged layout, as described above.
Lower price, and the trackpad gesture is free rather than Pro.
Intel Macs are supported; Launchie says it hasn’t tested them.
Extras the original never had: search by initials, six page transitions, widgets (calculator, clipboard history, clock) and a full uninstall that cleans up leftovers in ~/Library (Pro).
It’s about 4 MB and opens in under 5 ms after the first launch, and it collects no analytics.
FAQ
Can I move my Launchie layout to LaunchHome?
Not directly. LaunchHome imports the old Launchpad database and its own layout files. If your Mac used Launchpad before macOS 26, import that instead, then adjust.
Which one is free?
Both. The basic grid, folders, search and old layout import are free in each; Pro adds extras.
Can I try both?
Yes. They don’t interfere with each other as long as you give them different shortcuts. LaunchHome includes 7 days of Pro to try with no sign-up.