Open Shell vs Start Button 8

Struggling to choose between Open Shell and Start Button 8? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Open Shell is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like start-menu, explorer-replacement, windows-shell.

It boasts features such as Classic start menu interface, Advanced configuration options, Support for themes and skins, Fully customizable menus and shortcuts, Plugin architecture for extensions, Multi-monitor support, Search box with advanced filtering, Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys and pros including Lightweight and fast, Highly customizable, More options than Windows 10 start menu, Familiar interface for Windows 7 users, Completely free and open source.

On the other hand, Start Button 8 is a Os & Utilities product tagged with start-menu, windows, customization, shortcuts, icons.

Its standout features include Customize and enhance the Windows Start menu, Add extra icons, shortcuts, folders and menus, Rearrange and organize Start menu items, Change look with skins and themes, Pin items for quick access, Search Start menu items quickly, Back up and restore Start menu customizations, and it shines with pros like Very customizable, Easy to use, Lots of configuration options, Improves productivity, Free version available.

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.

Open Shell

Open Shell

Open Shell is a free and open-source start menu replacement for Windows that provides advanced configuration options and customization. It aims to restore the classic start menu for users who prefer the Windows XP or Windows 7 interface.

Categories:
start-menu explorer-replacement windows-shell

Open Shell Features

  1. Classic start menu interface
  2. Advanced configuration options
  3. Support for themes and skins
  4. Fully customizable menus and shortcuts
  5. Plugin architecture for extensions
  6. Multi-monitor support
  7. Search box with advanced filtering
  8. Keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and fast

Highly customizable

More options than Windows 10 start menu

Familiar interface for Windows 7 users

Completely free and open source

Cons

Less intuitive for new Windows users

Requires some time to configure

Occasional bugs or crashes

Limited native integration with Windows 10 features


Start Button 8

Start Button 8

Start Button 8 is a program that customizes and enhances the Start menu in Windows. It allows you to add icons, shortcuts, and menus to customize the look and functionality of the Start menu.

Categories:
start-menu windows customization shortcuts icons

Start Button 8 Features

  1. Customize and enhance the Windows Start menu
  2. Add extra icons, shortcuts, folders and menus
  3. Rearrange and organize Start menu items
  4. Change look with skins and themes
  5. Pin items for quick access
  6. Search Start menu items quickly
  7. Back up and restore Start menu customizations

Pricing

  • Freemium
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Very customizable

Easy to use

Lots of configuration options

Improves productivity

Free version available

Cons

Can slow down Start menu

Too complicated for basic users

Pro version is paid

May cause conflicts with Windows updates

Limited tech support