Ulauncher

A themeable application launcher for Linux with fuzzy search, a file browser and Python extensions.

Verified facts: 5 of 5
Alternatives ranked: 3
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About Ulauncher

Ulauncher is a popular app launcher for Linux desktops such as GNOME, KDE and others. You open it with a hotkey and type an app name; fuzzy matching tolerates typos, and it remembers which result you picked so the right one rises to the top next time. It also has a calculator, custom shortcuts for scripts and web searches, and a fast directory browser started by typing ~ or /. Community extensions, written in Python, add things like emoji search, password manager lookups and unit conversion, and color themes let you match your desktop. It is free and open source under GPL-3.0, with packages for Ubuntu (via PPA), Debian, Fedora, openSUSE and Arch (via the AUR). The project is in the middle of a large v6 rewrite, and the maintainers say the stable v5 line gets support for existing features but no new ones, so development of the shipping version is effectively paused until v6 is finished.

Best for: Linux desktop users who want a simple, good-looking launcher with extensions.

What works

Fuzzy search that learns your choices
Python extensions and custom color themes
Packages for most major distributions

Why people leave

Linux only
Stable v5 gets no new features while v6 is rewritten
Some extensions are unmaintained

Top Ulauncher alternatives

See all 3

1
Albert
Faster, plugin-based launcher with C++ and Python extensions, also on macOS.
66.5
2
Wox
Cross-platform open-source launcher with clipboard history and a plugin store.
62.6
3
CopyQ
Pair with or replace Ulauncher extensions for a full clipboard manager on Linux.
50.3

Why people left Ulauncher

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 Ulauncher, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

No approved reviews yet. How we verify reviewers

Write a review of Ulauncher

Your rating of Ulauncher

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.

Ulauncher: common questions

Is Ulauncher free?

Yes. Ulauncher is free, open-source software.

Is Ulauncher open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at Ulauncher/Ulauncher.

What platforms does Ulauncher run on?

Ulauncher is available for Linux.

What are the best alternatives to Ulauncher?

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

See all 3 Ulauncher alternatives

Ulauncher facts

5 of 5 verified

License: GPL-3.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “license rights and limitations (GNU GPL v3.0).”
Platforms: Linux; Checked Oct 25, 2026ulauncher.io(opens source in a new tab); “Ulauncher Application launcher for Linux Fuzzy search Type an application name without worrying about spelling.”
Fuzzy search: Yes; Checked Oct 25, 2026ulauncher.io(opens source in a new tab); “Type an application name without worrying about spelling.”
Themes: Four built-in, plus custom; Checked Oct 25, 2026ulauncher.io(opens source in a new tab); “Custom color themes Ulauncher ships with four built-in themes and supports custom color themes .”
Development status: v5 maintenance only, v6 in progress; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “Until then we're only supporting the existing functionality in v5. No new features or improvements.”