Albert

A fast, plugin-based keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS, written in C++ with Python extensions.

Verified facts: 4 of 4
Alternatives ranked: 4
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Albert

Albert is a keyboard launcher that puts speed first: it is written in C++ with Qt and aims to keep up with very fast typists. Everything beyond the core is a plugin, and it ships with a curated set of maintained plugins for launching apps, file search, a calculator, web searches, clipboard history, snippets, system commands, terminal commands and more, so it works without hunting for add-ons. Extensions can be written in C++ or Python through a documented API. It can be used as a plain app launcher or as a fuller command palette for the whole system. Prebuilt packages exist for many Linux distributions via the Open Build Service, and macOS builds install through a Homebrew tap; Windows is not supported. It is free to use. The source is public, but it uses its own Albert licence rather than a standard open-source licence, and that licence restricts redistributing builds for Microsoft and Apple platforms, which matters to packagers more than to everyday users.

Best for: Linux users who want a very fast launcher with a curated plugin set.

What works

Very fast native C++ app
Curated, maintained plugins included
Extensions in C++ or Python

Why people leave

Custom source-available licence, not a standard open-source one
No Windows version
macOS build is unsigned and installed via Homebrew

Top Albert alternatives

See all 4

1
Ulauncher
GPL-licensed Linux launcher with themes and Python extensions.
66.5
2
Wox
Open-source GPL launcher that also covers Windows.
62.6
3
Raycast
On macOS, a more polished launcher with a large extension store.
59.6
4
Alfred
On macOS, the long-standing launcher with powerful workflows.
57.2

Why people left Albert

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Albert, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers

Write a review of Albert

Your rating of Albert

Name

Never shown publicly. A work email helps us verify you.

Title

Your review

What did you use it for, and what was good or bad? At least 40 characters.

Did you switch from another app?

Why did you leave it?

How can we verify you use it? (optional)

A GitHub username, your company domain, or say you can send a screenshot. Verified reviews count more.

I received money, credit or a gift for writing this review. (Incentivized reviews are shown but don't count toward rankings.)

By submitting, you confirm you're at least 16 and agree to our terms. Your name, rating, review and the date are published; your email isn't. See our privacy policy.

Albert: common questions

Is Albert free?

Yes, Albert is free to use.

Is Albert open source?

No, Albert is not open source. Open-source alternatives include Ulauncher and Wox.

What platforms does Albert run on?

Albert is available for Linux and macOS.

What are the best alternatives to Albert?

The highest-ranked Albert alternatives right now are Ulauncher, Wox and Raycast. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 Albert alternatives

Albert facts

4 of 4 verified

License: Albert license v1.1 (source-available); Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Albert license v1.1”
Platforms: Linux and macOS; Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab); “Prebuilt packages are available for Linux and macOS. Windows is not supported yet.”
macOS install: Homebrew tap; Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab); “Albert is available via homebrew tap.”
Linux packages: Arch, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Ubuntu; Checked Oct 25, 2026albertlauncher.github.io(opens source in a new tab); “Base packages for Arch , Debian , Fedora , openSUSE , Raspbian and Ubuntu are built and hosted at Open Build Service.”