- =
- keepsAlt+Space, Everything for file search, the > shell prefix, the plugin habit.
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- Good once you pick and maintain your own plugins.
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- Good out of the box. Everything comes from one place and updates together.
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- worth paying forcurrency, time zones, app shortcuts and system toggles with nothing to hunt down, signed automatic updates, and a support email I answer.
01 · ComparedChecked 2026-10-14
Nudge vs Flow Launcher
Flow Launcher is free, open source and more extensible than Nudge: it has a plugin store, and you can write your own plugins in C#, F#, Python or JavaScript. If you enjoy building your setup, keep Flow. Nudge is for people who want a launcher that is complete when installed, with every plugin made and kept working by one person, for $4.99 once, or $2.99 during early access.
02 · The honest comparisonFlow Launcher vs Nudge
Side by side
Where Flow Launcher is the better pick, the table says so.
Flow LauncherNudge
PriceFree and open source (MIT)wins here$4.99 once. One PC per key.
Default keysAlt+Space, changeableAlt+Space, changeable
FilesEverything or Windows Search, for names and contentsA bundled copy of Everything plus Windows Search. Uses your own Everything if you have one.
PluginsA plugin store, and your own plugins in C#, F#, Python or JavaScriptwins hereMade by me only, from the store inside the app. No custom plugins.
Out of the boxApps, files, calculator, web search, shell, browser bookmarksApps, files, calculator, units, currency, time zones, emoji, shell, system toggles, window switching, services, kill, text tools
BookmarksSearches bookmarks from several browserswins hereNot yet. Planned, on the wishlist vote.
App shortcutsThrough plugins from its storeSpotify, Obsidian, Notion, WhatsApp, Steam and VS Code, made by me
LooksMany themes, or build your ownwins hereSolid, Frosted glass or Liquid glass, a tint, two panel shapes
SpeedNot measured on the same PC, so no number from meOpens in about 10 ms, about 55 MB of memory1
- 1 Nudge figures are measured on the release build on my own test PC. Tests on everyday mid-range PCs are still to come.
03 · SwitchingWhat $4.99 buys
Coming from Flow Launcher?
04 · Who should pick whichNo wrong answer
Who should pick which
Pick Flow Launcher if
- You want free and open source.
- You like choosing plugins, or writing your own.
- You want browser bookmarks or a custom theme today.
Pick Nudge if
- You want it to work fully on the first run, with no plugins to find or keep updated.
- You want currency, time zones and app shortcuts that one person keeps working.
- You want signed automatic updates and an email address with a person behind it.
- You are happy to pay once for that.
05 · FAQ4 questions
Questions people ask before they switch.
Can I use my Flow Launcher plugins in Nudge?
No. Nudge only runs plugins I make, from the store inside the app. That is the trade: fewer plugins, and each one kept working with every update.
Does Nudge use Everything like Flow does?
Yes. Nudge ships its own copy of Everything (voidtools, MIT licence) and uses Windows Search alongside it. If you already run Everything’s service, Nudge uses yours as it is.
Can I add my own commands?
No. Every plugin and connector is made by Nudge and comes from the plugin store inside the app. Timezone, Emoji & Symbols, Quick Folders and six app connectors install without a connection. Wishlist members vote on what gets built next.
What if it is not for me?
Ask for a refund within 14 days, through the store you bought it from. No reason needed.
06 · Try it14-day refund
Press Alt+Space. Type. Get the answer.
$2.99 during early access, then $4.99. Paid once, plus tax where it applies. No account, no subscription, and a refund within 14 days if it is not for you.