Alfred vs Oh My Zsh: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Alfred and Oh My Zsh comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Alfred
Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • Alfred is a productivity app for Mac that boosts efficiency with custom workflows and hotkeys
- • It replaces Spotlight with powerful search, snippets, clipboard history, and automation capabilities
Oh My Zsh
A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Open-source framework for managing Zsh configuration.
- • Bundles over 300 plugins and 150 themes to enhance terminal experience.
| At a Glance |  Alfred |  Oh My Zsh |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 90/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | Alfred | Oh My Zsh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 90 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsClipboard Managers | Terminal ToolsAutomation |
How Alfred and Oh My Zsh Compare
Alfred
Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts
Free tier available · 90/100 score
Oh My Zsh
A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.
Free · 71/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Oh My Zsh is free. Alfred is freemium.
Go with: Oh My Zsh
Want the highest-rated option?
Alfred: 90/100. Oh My Zsh: 71/100.
Go with: Alfred
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Alfred
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Alfred is freemium. Oh My Zsh is free. Go with Oh My Zsh if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Alfred scores higher: 90/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
Alfred
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 71
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Oh My Zsh
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Alfred (90/100) is our pick. That said, Oh My Zsh is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alfred or Oh My Zsh better?
Alfred scores 90/100 in our evaluation. Alfred is freemium and Oh My Zsh is free.
What are Alfred and Oh My Zsh used for?
Alfred: Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts. Oh My Zsh: A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration..
What does Alfred cost vs Oh My Zsh?
Alfred is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Oh My Zsh is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.