Raycast is the macOS productivity tool we have recommended most often in 2025-2026. It replaces Spotlight as the system-wide command palette, integrates with every major app you use, and on the Pro tier becomes an always-available AI assistant powered by Claude and GPT. For Mac users who care about keyboard-driven productivity, this is genuinely transformative.

What it is, conceptually

Imagine Spotlight (Cmd+Space), but instead of just searching files, it can:

  • Open apps and files (Spotlight equivalent)
  • Run actions on highlighted text (“Translate to Italian”, “Summarize”, “Convert temperature”)
  • Manage your clipboard history (last 100+ items, searchable)
  • Run shortcuts and scripts
  • Search across all installed apps (Notion, Linear, Figma, Slack, GitHub)
  • Query an LLM (Pro tier) without opening a browser tab

The keyboard hotkey is the same Cmd+Space (configurable), but the result is a window that adapts to context. Type “trans” and you get Translate options. Type “yt” and you can search YouTube. Type “issue” and you can search your Linear or GitHub issues.

The Spotlight replacement reason

Apple’s Spotlight in 2026 still cannot:

  • Search across third-party apps reliably
  • Run multi-step workflows (only single actions)
  • Modify text without opening a separate app (no “transform to JSON” or “lowercase”)
  • Manage clipboard history

Raycast does all of this from the same keyboard shortcut you already know.

Extensions store

The killer feature is the extensions store. As of Q2 2026 there are over 1,500 published extensions including:

  • GitHub: search issues, create PRs, view actions, all without opening a browser
  • Linear: search issues, change status, create new tickets
  • Notion: search databases, create entries, browse pages
  • Spotify: control playback, search music, view album
  • Zoom: start meeting, join from URL, schedule
  • 1Password / Bitwarden: fill credentials from the command palette
  • Translate: any direction, system-wide
  • Color Picker: pick from screen, convert formats
  • Snippets: text expansion across all apps
  • AI Commands: prompt Claude or GPT without opening a tab

All free extensions are searchable from Raycast itself. Install with one keypress.

AI Pro tier reality

Raycast Pro Plus ($16/month) bundles unlimited AI usage with your subscription. The AI features include:

  • AI Chat: full conversation interface within Raycast
  • AI Commands: highlight text in any app, transform it via Cmd+K (translate, summarize, rewrite formal/casual, fix grammar)
  • AI Quick Answer: Spotlight-style queries answered in-line
  • Models: choose between Claude (Sonnet/Haiku/Opus), GPT-4o, Llama, and others

For users who already pay for ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Claude Pro ($20/month), Raycast Pro Plus replaces one or both at $16/month with the added benefit of system-wide integration. The math is favorable for any user who interacts with an LLM multiple times per day.

Free vs Pro vs Pro Plus

Free:

  • Command palette and Spotlight replacement
  • All extensions (install unlimited)
  • Clipboard history
  • Snippets, calculator, custom shortcuts
  • Window management

Pro ($8/month):

  • Sync settings across multiple Macs
  • Cloud sync for snippets and clipboard
  • Themes and customization
  • Notes (lightweight note app)

Pro Plus ($16/month):

  • All Pro features
  • Unlimited AI usage across Chat, Commands, Quick Answer
  • Choose between Claude, GPT, Llama, and others

For solo users who care about AI integration: Pro Plus is the right tier. For users who want sync and themes only: Pro is enough. For users who want a Spotlight replacement without subscription: Free is genuinely sufficient.

Setup time

10 minutes:

  1. Download raycast.com and install (free)
  2. Press Cmd+Space (or your chosen hotkey) to open
  3. Run “Set up Raycast” walkthrough
  4. Install your first 3-5 extensions: GitHub (or Linear), Translate, Color Picker, Clipboard History
  5. Optional: subscribe to Pro Plus and explore AI Commands on highlighted text

After 2 weeks of daily use, Raycast becomes your primary interaction layer with macOS. After 1 month, you cannot remember life before it.

Editorial independence note: We pay for Raycast Pro Plus personally and have used it daily for 18 months. Affiliate commission does not influence the score.