Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Alfred · 🎨 design
Alfred vs Sol
A modern macOS launcher that provides instant access to applications, utilities, and system functions through an elegant and efficient interface. Here is how Sol ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Alfred ($20/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Sol is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Alfred. Switching from Alfred ($20/mo) saves $240/yr per solo seat, or $1,200/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Alfred vs Sol Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Alfred (Paid) | Sol (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $20 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $240 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $240) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $2,400 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,400) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 3.2k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Alfred to Sol
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Sol
Clone https://github.com/ospfranco/sol or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Sol instead of vibe-coding a Alfred clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Alfred or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Ueli.
Alfred vs Sol FAQ
Is Sol a good free alternative to Alfred?+
Yes. Sol is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Alfred. A modern macOS launcher that provides instant access to applications, utilities, and system functions through an elegant and efficient interface.
What is the catch when switching from Alfred to Sol?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Alfred to Sol?+
Alfred costs $20/mo ($240/yr) per seat, whereas Sol is $0/mo. Switching saves $240/yr for a solo user, $1,200/yr for a 5-person team, and $2,400/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Sol instead of Alfred?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/ospfranco/sol or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
