Comparison
LiquidPad vs WebCatalog
WebCatalog is a popular cross-platform tool that converts your favorite web apps into individual desktop applications, each running in its own Electron window with separate sessions. It ships with a large catalog and runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, organizing apps and accounts into Spaces. LiquidPad takes a different approach: instead of generating a separate Electron app per site, it's a single native macOS menu-bar app (AppKit + WKWebView) that keeps every web app in one slide-over panel from the screen edge, with a lighter footprint and a suite of built-in native productivity tools.
Feature comparison
Why people pick LiquidPad over WebCatalog
- Native macOS app on AppKit + WKWebView, not Electron, for a lighter, more memory-efficient footprint.
- All web apps live in ONE slide-over panel from the screen edge instead of dozens of separate apps and windows.
- Instant slide-from-edge UX toggled with a global hotkey, plus a Command palette (⌘K).
- Built-in native tools WebCatalog doesn't offer: terminal, SSH manager, focus/pomodoro, tasks, habits, system monitor.
- Boards / multi-view, Workspace scenes, Universal Picture-in-Picture, and an AI omnibar.
- Vault PIN lock and per-app isolated sessions with no telemetry.
- Lifetime option for $59 one-time, plus affordable Pro pricing and a 14-day trial.
Where WebCatalog shines
Credit where it's due, WebCatalog is a strong product. It's the better choice when:
- Large curated catalog of 1,500+ web apps ready to install.
- Truly cross-platform: macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Each web app runs as its own standalone desktop app with its own window and Dock presence.
- Multiple-account profiles and Spaces for separating work and personal identities.
- Built-in ad/tracker blocker, app lock, and cloud sync on paid plans.
- Mature product with a team/Business tier.
Pricing
WebCatalog: free Basic plan (up to 2 apps), Pro from $5/user/mo billed yearly, Business from $8/user/mo, each with a 7-day trial; a limited Lifetime plan excludes cloud sync. LiquidPad: free (3 apps, 1 board), Pro $4.99/mo or $47.88/yr, Lifetime $59 one-time, with a 14-day trial.
The verdict
Choose WebCatalog if you need a cross-platform tool, want the largest ready-made app catalog, or prefer each web app as its own standalone desktop window. Choose LiquidPad if you're on macOS and want every web app in one fast, native slide-over panel rather than dozens of Electron windows, with a lighter footprint, built-in native tools, no telemetry, and a more generous lifetime option.
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