Mac App Switchers Compared: Spotlight vs Raycast vs Assignee

When it comes to launching or switching between apps, most macOS users stick with Spotlight or Raycast.

But for focused, keyboard-only switching—Assignee might be a better fit.

Spotlight

• ✅ Built-in
• ❌ Requires typing + Enter
• ❌ No multi-window support
• ❌ No customization

Raycast

• ✅ Extensible with plugins
• ✅ Command bar style
• ❌ Still requires typing and confirmation
• ❌ Complexity overkill for some users

Assignee

• ✅ Ctrl + Tab → key = instant app or window
• ✅ Works with multiple windows of same app
• ✅ No Enter required
• ✅ Custom mappings without code

Final Thought

Spotlight and Raycast are excellent for search. But if you want fast, conflict-free app switching, Assignee was made for that.