Facet — browse
A full visual grid of your apps with folders, pages, and Launchpad layout import. Open, scan, click. Built for people who recognize apps by icon and position, not exact name.
Facet vs Alfred.
Alfred is a beloved keyboard launcher and automation tool — a search bar that runs workflows, snippets, and clipboard history. Facet is a visual Launchpad-style app grid you browse and click. They overlap on “launching apps,” but they’re built for opposite habits.
The core difference.
Alfred — automate
A keyboard search bar plus the Powerpack: workflows, text snippets, clipboard history, and deep macOS automation. Built for keyboard-first power users who type everything.
Feature comparison.
| Need | Facet | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Visual app grid (Launchpad-style) | Keyboard launcher + automation |
| Visual app grid | Yes — the core of the app | No — search bar only |
| Folders & pages | Yes, with Launchpad import | No spatial layout |
| Keyboard search | Yes, search and launch | Yes — its whole interface |
| Workflows & automation | Not the focus | Powerpack workflows, snippets, clipboard |
| Pricing | Free core; Pro $14.99 once | Free core; Powerpack one-time (£34+ / ~$43+) |
| Learning curve | Minimal — open and browse | Higher for workflows |
| Best fit | People who want Launchpad back | Keyboard power users who automate |
Pricing reflects each vendor’s published model at time of writing: Alfred’s core is free with a one-time Powerpack (Single License around £34, Mega Supporter around £59, per alfredapp.com/shop); Facet has a permanent Free edition and an optional $14.99 one-time Pro upgrade. Check the vendor sites for current pricing.
Pricing: free cores, paid-once upgrades.
Both apps keep a useful core free and avoid subscriptions. Alfred's Powerpack buys a deep automation platform. Facet keeps the fullscreen Launchpad-style grid free, while Facet Pro is $14.99 once for compact mode and advanced customization. Choose based on the paid features you actually need.
Which should you choose?
Choose Facet if
You miss the Launchpad grid, keep apps in folders, and want a simple visual launcher with a permanent Free edition and optional paid-once Pro.
Choose Alfred if
You live on the keyboard and want workflows, snippets, clipboard history, and macOS automation more than a visual app grid.
Use both if
Alfred for keyboard automation, Facet for the visual app grid Alfred was never meant to provide.