[Updated] 5 Popular Launchpad Alternatives for Mac

You may have accidentally moved Launchpad to the trash and be sitting around thinking about how you can get it back. Or, if you plan to upgrade to macOS Tahoe 26, where Launchpad is no longer available, you might consider using Launchpad alternatives to view important information, monitor key metrics, and manage your projects. Whether you want a cleaner interface or more functions that Launchpad doesn’t provide, there are several excellent choices for Mac users to consider.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the best Launchpad alternatives, highlighting their unique features and how they can help your Mac stay organized and efficient.

Where Has Launchpad Gone?

On macOS Tahoe, Apple introduced a new Spotlight experience that functions like the App Library and replaces Launchpad.

However, if you can’t find Launchpad on a Mac running macOS Sequoia or an earlier version, it may have been accidentally deleted, moved to the Trash, or disabled. You can check the Trash, restore it via Terminal, or reinstall it from the Mac App Store.

Top 5 Launchpad Alternatives for Mac

Since Launchpad will no longer be available in macOS 26, and maybe there is no direct way to view all apps at once besides navigating to the Applications folder with Finder, it is time to look for a close alternative to Launchpad.

1. Spotlight Search

On macOS Tahoe, Spotlight integrates all search features. With Spotlight Search, you can quickly access applications, files, folders, messages, and other system settings. This major update makes it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Key Features:

• You can rapidly access Spotlight Search using the Command and Space keys. This would be faster and easier than opening Launchpad.
• With the search bar, you’re able to launch any application on your Mac by typing its name.
• You can utilize Spotlight Search to search for files, folders, documents, emails, and even web bookmarks. That makes Spotlight Search a one-stop solution for opening anything on your Mac.
• You can customize what Spotlight indexes by adjusting the search results preferences in System Settings.

Editor’s Review:

Spotlight operates in a minimalistic manner, as it offers the easiest way to activate and find files, apps, and settings. This is especially useful for users who frequently switch between applications and need quick access.

2. BuhoCleaner

BuhoCleaner stands out as a Mac cleaning tool to help you manage applications and enhance your macOS’ performance. It can free up storage space by detecting and removing junk files such as system cache, temporary files, and browser history, and uninstalling unwanted applications. Also, it offers a real-time system monitoring feature that enables you to keep an eye on your Mac’s performance, such as CPU usage, temperature, and fan speed.

Key Features:

• BuhoCleaner deletes all the related files and leftovers when you uninstall an application.
• BuhoCleaner cleans up junk files such as system cache, temporary files, and browser history that take up a large amount of internal storage.
• BuhoCleaner optimizes the speed of your Mac by freeing up RAM, turning off startup items, and rebuilding Spotlight indexes.
• With its app menu, BuhoCleaner allows you to monitor your Mac’s performance in real-time. You can check the CPU usage, temperature, fan speed, and other parameters while operating your computer.

Editor’s Review:

BuhoCleaner provides a free trial version that allows you to delete up to 3 GB of junk files on Mac, so you can easily start with a free trial. Despite checking and deleting applications on your Mac, you can also use BuhoCleaner to monitor and manage the performance of your Mac.

3. LaunchPadder

LaunchPadder is a free program. It offers you several features to enhance the organization and accessibility of folders and apps. The default Launchpad view can be confusing in the upcoming versions of macOS, but LaunchPadder can provide more intuitive sorting options to fix this.

Key Features:

• LaunchPadder allows you to sort and organize applications and folders by some rules. These include sorting by alphabetical order, sorting by application bundle group, sorting by icon color, and so on.
• LaunchPadder enables you to place Apple’s native applications in priority so that they will appear at the front of Launchpad’s grid.
• You can sort folders by content. This is convenient for you to find folders even if you fail to remember the titles.
• LaunchPadder supports you in adjusting the priority of sorting rules via drag-and-drop functionality. This offers flexibility in how apps and folders are organized.

Editor’s Review:

LaunchPadder is an ideal solution for macOS users who seek a more organized and customizable Launchpad experience. Its powerful sorting rules and user-friendly interface make it an excellent alternative to Launchpad.

4. Folder Peek

Folder Peek is another popular alternative to Launchpad. It enables you to access and organize, and customize your files, folders, and apps from the menu bar. With Folder Peek, you can always keep your Dock clean and your desktop tidy.

Key Features:

• Folder Peek allows you to put any of your Mac folders in the menu bar. This gives you easy access to frequently used files, folders, and applications with just a click.
• You are also able to preview files such as images, PDFs, and text documents without opening them. Folder Peek even lets you search folders directly from the menu bar.
• The Drag-and-Drop feature allows you to move files to other applications or the desktop with ease, enhancing the productivity of your workflow.
• Each folder you include in the menu bar can be customized with its name and icon. You can also sort folders manually or set up your rules to organize them.
• You can use your macOS shortcuts or your keyboard shortcuts in Folder Peek.

Editor’s Review:

Folder Peek is a robust tool that offers instant and effortless access to your most frequently used files and folders. Its menu bar integration, along with user-defined previews and drag-and-drop support, makes it a better option than the default Launchpad for most users. You need several clicks to launch apps with Launchpad. In contrast, Folder Peek puts your most accessed folders and files right in the menu bar, which is more convenient for you to access.

5. Bevy

Bevy excels in customization. You can customize the interface to suit your workflow and preferences. Its various features and options also make it a great alternative to the default Launchpad.

Key Features:

• Bevy allows you to categorize apps by folders and hide icons that are not necessary. This is especially convenient for people with many applications.
• You can make Bevy appear and disappear by setting hotkeys, clicking on a status menu icon, clicking its Dock icon, or mousing over a corner or edge hotspot.
• You can highlight applications with matching names by tapping a key. This helps you to find the app you’re looking for.
• Bevy enables you to hide the less common applications and uninstallers to have your workspace tidy and clean.
• Bevy uses Spotlight to stay up-to-date, so it automatically updates its view when you add, remove, or move apps around.

Editor’s Review:

Bevy is a highly customizable and efficient solution to launch and manage your applications on a Mac. As it offers fast access and customization, it is an excellent tool for those who want to enhance their application management.

Conclusion

It’s time to find alternatives to Launchpad if it disappears or if you want to upgrade to macOS 26. From BuhoCleaner to Bevy, you can discover the top 5 options to manage the applications on your Mac. We highlight the key features of each tool, and hopefully, we can give you some insights when you’re deciding which one to choose from.