Open Shell vs Start8

Struggling to choose between Open Shell and Start8? 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, Start8 is a Os & Utilities product tagged with start-menu, windows-8, windows-7, interface, desktop.

Its standout features include Restores the classic Start menu, Adds a Start button to the taskbar, Lets you boot directly to the desktop, Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles, Start menu skins and styles, Taskbar customization options, Advanced configuration settings, and it shines with pros like Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface, Highly customizable, Easy to use, Affordable pricing.

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


Start8

Start8

Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Categories:
start-menu windows-8 windows-7 interface desktop

Start8 Features

  1. Restores the classic Start menu
  2. Adds a Start button to the taskbar
  3. Lets you boot directly to the desktop
  4. Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles
  5. Start menu skins and styles
  6. Taskbar customization options
  7. Advanced configuration settings

Pricing

  • Free
  • One-time purchase
  • Subscription-based

Pros

Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface

Highly customizable

Easy to use

Affordable pricing

Cons

May not appeal to Windows 8 fans

Requires an extra program just to get basic Windows features

Some customization options require paid upgrades