Microsoft Gadgets vs Rainmeter

Struggling to choose between Microsoft Gadgets and Rainmeter? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft Gadgets is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like widgets, desktop, customization, miniapps.

It boasts features such as Mini-applications that run on Windows desktop, Displayed information like news, weather, clocks, calendars, Customizable widgets for personal use, RSS/Atom feed support, Sidebar for organizing gadgets, Scripting support and pros including Convenient at-a-glance information, Highly customizable and personalizable, Added functionality to the desktop, Easy to install and use.

On the other hand, Rainmeter is a Os & Utilities product tagged with desktop, customization, skins, widgets, personalization.

Its standout features include Customizable desktop skins, Desktop widgets, Visual customization of desktop elements, Extensive personalization options, Ability to add visual flair to desktop, and it shines with pros like Very customizable, Lets you personalize desktop, Many custom skins and widgets available, Lightweight and low resource usage, Open source and free.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Microsoft Gadgets

Microsoft Gadgets

Microsoft Gadgets were mini-applications and feeds that could be placed on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 desktop. They provided information at a glance, like news feeds, clocks, and slideshows.

Categories:
widgets desktop customization miniapps

Microsoft Gadgets Features

  1. Mini-applications that run on Windows desktop
  2. Displayed information like news, weather, clocks, calendars
  3. Customizable widgets for personal use
  4. RSS/Atom feed support
  5. Sidebar for organizing gadgets
  6. Scripting support

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Convenient at-a-glance information

Highly customizable and personalizable

Added functionality to the desktop

Easy to install and use

Cons

Security vulnerabilities

Performance impact on some systems

Limited selection of gadgets

Discontinued in Windows 8


Rainmeter

Rainmeter

Rainmeter is a customizable desktop tool for Windows that enables users to personalize their desktop with skins, widgets, and other visual elements. It offers extensive customization and personalization options for the look and feel of the Windows desktop.

Categories:
desktop customization skins widgets personalization

Rainmeter Features

  1. Customizable desktop skins
  2. Desktop widgets
  3. Visual customization of desktop elements
  4. Extensive personalization options
  5. Ability to add visual flair to desktop

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Very customizable

Lets you personalize desktop

Many custom skins and widgets available

Lightweight and low resource usage

Open source and free

Cons

Steep learning curve

Setting it up can be tricky

Not very user friendly

Can be unstable if not configured properly