LaunchHome vs LaunchMe: classic Launchpad or a customizable workspace?
LaunchHome and LaunchMe both replace Launchpad on macOS 26 and 27. One stays close to the original, the other adds widgets, live wallpapers, files and Spaces. How they compare on price, features and where to get them
The short answer
Disclosure: this comparison is written by the LaunchHome team. LaunchMe’s details come from its own website as of 2026-10-31.
LaunchHome stays close to the original Launchpad: a fast, small grid with pages and folders, and a few useful extras. LaunchMe turns the launcher into a customizable workspace with widgets, live wallpapers, file search and Spaces.
Pick LaunchMe if you want to decorate and automate your launcher, or prefer buying through the Mac App Store. Pick LaunchHome if you want Launchpad back as it was, with a one-time price.
Side by side
Checked on 2026-10-31.
| LaunchHome | LaunchMe | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | The classic Launchpad, kept light | A customizable workspace and launcher |
| Price | Free; Pro is a one-time $9.9 for 3 Macs | Free basic version; Pro or Lite by subscription or lifetime license |
| Pro trial | 7 days | 7 days |
| Where to get it | Direct download and Homebrew | Mac App Store |
| Import old Launchpad layout | Yes, free | Yes (restore your Launchpad layout) |
| Widgets | Calculator, clipboard history, clock (Pro) | Music, weather, clipboard, calculator and more |
| Wallpapers | Uses your desktop wallpaper | Custom, dynamic and live video wallpapers |
| Files, Spaces, workflows | Files and URLs in the grid (Pro) | File search, Spaces presets and one-click workflows |
| Trackpad gesture | Pro | Offered as a separate download on its site |
| Uninstall with leftovers | Pro | Yes |
Sources: LaunchMe
Where LaunchMe is ahead
Much more customization: folder colors, emoji and cover images, custom icons, and static, dynamic or live video wallpapers.
Widgets for music and weather, file search, Spaces you can switch between and workflows that open several apps at once.
It’s on the Mac App Store, if you prefer buying and updating through Apple.
Where LaunchHome is ahead
It feels like the Launchpad you remember, without extra layers to learn.
A one-time price for 3 Macs instead of a choice between plans, and the core stays free.
F4 works in the free version with no permissions, and the trackpad gesture is built in (Pro).
About 4 MB, under 5 ms to open after the first launch, no account and no analytics.
FAQ
Is LaunchMe a Launchpad replacement?
Yes, and more: it adds widgets, wallpapers, files and Spaces on top of a full-screen app grid. If you only want the original Launchpad back, a simpler replacement may suit you better.
Which one is on the Mac App Store?
LaunchMe. LaunchHome is distributed directly and through Homebrew, signed and notarized by Apple, because global gestures and hot corners need Accessibility access that sandboxed App Store apps can’t get.
Do both import my old Launchpad layout?
Yes. See How to import your old Launchpad layout for when it works.