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Start8 vs Widgetsmith

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Start8 icon
Start8
Widgetsmith icon
Widgetsmith

Start8 vs Widgetsmith: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

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.

Widgetsmith: Widgetsmith is a powerful yet user-friendly widget and home screen customization app for iOS. It allows you to fully customize your iPhone and iPad home screens with custom widgets, icons, backgrounds, and more.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Start8 Widgetsmith
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Start8
Start8

Description: 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.

Type: software

Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith

Description: Widgetsmith is a powerful yet user-friendly widget and home screen customization app for iOS. It allows you to fully customize your iPhone and iPad home screens with custom widgets, icons, backgrounds, and more.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Start8
Start8 Features
  • 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
Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith Features
  • Create custom widgets with photos, text, dates, reminders, weather, and more
  • 1000+ widget templates to choose from
  • Fully customize widget colors, fonts, sizes, etc
  • Add custom app icons, wallpapers, and themes
  • Works with iOS 14 and 15 home screen widgets
  • iCloud sync to sync widget settings across devices
  • Widget stacking to layer multiple widgets in one space
  • Support for different widget sizes like small, medium, large

Pros & Cons Analysis

Start8
Start8

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
Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith

Pros

  • Very intuitive and easy to use interface
  • Tons of customization options
  • New widget templates added frequently
  • Great way to personalize your iOS home screen
  • Active development and updates

Cons

  • Requires monthly/yearly subscription after free trial
  • Limited options on free tier
  • Can be buggy after major iOS updates
  • Lacks some advanced customization features

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Learn More About Each Product

Start8
Start8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Widgetsmith
Widgetsmith
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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