Comparison
LiquidPad vs Franz
Franz is a mature, open-source (Apache 2.0) messaging aggregator that runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. It corrals 75+ chat and email services into a single Electron window with multi-account support, split view, workspaces and an optional AI assistant. LiquidPad takes a different approach: a native macOS-only menu-bar app built on AppKit and WKWebView (not Electron) that slides a Liquid-Glass panel in from the screen edge on a global shortcut, and pairs a 10,000+ app web catalog with native productivity tools. Franz is the better fit if you live across multiple operating systems and mainly want a chat hub; LiquidPad is for Mac users who want a fast, native launcher for any web app plus built-in developer and focus tools.
Feature comparison
Why people pick LiquidPad over Franz
- Native macOS app on AppKit + WKWebView instead of an Electron/Chromium shell.
- Slides a Liquid-Glass panel in from the screen edge on a global shortcut for instant glance-and-dismiss access.
- Works with any web app via a 10,000+ app catalog, not only messaging services.
- Per-app isolated sessions for running multiple accounts of the same service.
- Built-in native tools: terminal, SSH manager, focus/pomodoro, tasks, habits and a system monitor.
- Boards / multi-view, Workspace scenes, Command palette (⌘K), Universal PiP and an AI omnibar.
- One-time Lifetime license at $59, plus cloud sync across Macs on Pro, and no telemetry.
Where Franz shines
Credit where it's due, Franz is a strong product. It's the better choice when:
- Truly cross-platform: macOS, Windows and Linux.
- Open source under Apache 2.0.
- Purpose-built for messaging with 75+ supported chat/email services.
- Multiple accounts per service and split-view for two services side by side.
- Built-in AI assistant with local model, bring-your-own key, or EU-hosted cloud options.
- Generous free tier and a lifetime option.
Pricing
Franz: free Starter (3 services); Pro around €5/mo or €60/yr; a Pro Cloud tier; and a Lifetime around €149+. LiquidPad: free (3 apps, 1 board); Pro $4.99/mo or $47.88/yr; Lifetime $59 one-time; 14-day trial. LiquidPad's lifetime license is notably cheaper.
The verdict
Choose Franz if you need a cross-platform, open-source hub focused on consolidating many chat and email services. Choose LiquidPad if you're on macOS and want a fast, native, Liquid-Glass app that slides in from the edge on a shortcut, works with any web app, bundles native developer and focus tools, and offers a cheaper one-time license with no telemetry.
Try LiquidPad free, no account needed.
Three apps and one workspace on the house. Go unlimited with a 14-day trial whenever you're ready.
Download for MacmacOS 14 Sonoma or later · Apple Silicon & Intel