1. Winstep Nexus Dock (Free)

   
   
   • Standalone dock for Windows — think of it like the macOS Dock.
   • Includes:
   
   
   • Single dock only
   • Basic customization (themes, icons, effects)
   • Standard widgets (clock, weather, etc.)
   • Freeware — no time limits, but missing advanced features.
   • Target audience: casual users who just want a stylish dock.

2. Nexus Ultimate (Paid Upgrade from Nexus)

   
   
   • Superset of Nexus Free — you get everything in Free plus:
   
   
   • Multiple docks (Free version: only one)
   • Multi-level sub-docks (expandable docks from an icon)
   • Tabbed docks and Drawers (organize applications into tabs)
   • Grid Stacks (pop-up grids of files and folders)
   • Launch Pads (one-click all-at-once launcher for multiple apps/documents)
   • More advanced effects, behaviors, and widgets
   • World clocks (multiple zones, customizable labels, auto daylight saving)
   • Ability to group and manage many shortcuts efficiently
   • Still a dock-only product — it does not include the full desktop suite.

3. Winstep Xtreme (Full Suite)

   
   
   • Includes Nexus Ultimate as part of a larger desktop enhancement package.
   • Adds:
   
   
   • NextSTART (taskbar, start menu, customizable menus, hotspots)
   • Workshelf (takes the role of Nexus Ultimate in Winstep Xtreme)
   • More extensive desktop organization tools
   • Desktop modules for monitoring system resources, clocks, calendars, etc.
   • Essentially, Xtreme = Nexus Ultimate + NextSTART + Winstep desktop modules for a fully customizable desktop replacement.

Nexus Free	Nexus Ultimate	Winstep Xtreme

Feature comparison table

Features	Nexus	Ultimate	Xtreme
Access favorite applications from a dock featuring 18 amazing mouseover effects.
Display running applications on the dock with task grouping, filtering and icon customization options.
Display system tray on the dock.
Customize system tray with high resolution icons.
Create as many docks as you need.
Organize applications into nested sub-docks.
Instant access to the contents of Folders, Downloads, and more via Grid Stacks.
Categorize applications into user-defined tabs on Shelves (tabbed docks).
Display the contents of folders in your hard drive, Windows Desktop, Control Panel, and more, as tabs on the Shelves.
Reduce clutter by hiding Desktop icons and using the Desktop tab on the Shelf.
Switch themes quickly via the Themes tab on the Shelf.
Additional modules/widgets (e.g.; calendar, battery monitor, moon phase).
Show Winstep modules/widgets on the Desktop.
Maintain a consistent look and feel with skinnable context menus.
Create your own menus with the built-in Menu Editor.
Open menus and launch applications via hotspots and screen edge bumps.
Replace the Windows taskbar with a highly customizable and skinnable alternative.
Organize Start Menu shortcuts into user-defined categories.