Spotlight AlternativesOnly apps categorised as File Search Utilities

The best File Search alternative to Spotlight is Everything, which is free. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Spotlight and loads of them are File Search Utilities so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting File Search Utility alternatives to Spotlight are Flow Launcher, Vicinae, Raycast and Alfred.

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Spotlight alternatives are mainly File Search Utilities, but if you're looking for Application Launchers or Web Search Engines you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Windows, Mac and Linux + Open Source. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Spotlight.
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Alternatives list

  1. Everything icon
     1279 likes

    An administrative tool that finds files and folders by filename instantly, displaying all files on local or network drives. Supports filters, 19 languages, portable usage, lightweight resource consumption, no tracking, and dark mode.

    116 Everything alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  2. Flow Launcher icon
     101 likes

    Dedicated to make your workflow flow more seamlessly. Aimed at being more than an app launcher, it searches, integrates and expands on functionalities. Flow will continue to evolve, designed to be open and built with the community at heart.

    53 Flow Launcher alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Chocolatey
     
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    1
  3. Vicinae icon
     42 likes

    High-performance native launcher for Linux built with C++ and Qt delivers fast keyboard-driven system access, an efficient modular core, built-in modules, support for server-side React or TypeScript extensions, and reuse of Raycast extensions with minimal changes.

    56 Vicinae alternatives

    Cost / License

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
     
  4. Raycast icon
     74 likes

    Raycast revolutionizes Mac productivity with AI-driven task automation, command shortcuts, and customizable workflows. Create snippets, manage clipboard history, translate text, and maintain sync across devices. Discover day planning, distraction-free focus, and versatile virtual assistance.

    86 Raycast alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPhone
    • iPad
    • Google Chrome
    • Safari
     
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    1
  5. Alfred icon
     305 likes

    Alfred is a productivity application for macOS, which boosts your efficiency with hotkeys, keywords and text expansion. Search your Mac and the web, and control your Mac using custom actions with the Powerpack.

    145 Alfred alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • iPhone
    • iPad
     
  6. DocFetcher icon
     130 likes

    DocFetcher is an Open Source desktop search application: It allows you to search the contents of files on your computer. — You can think of it as Google for your local files. The application runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, and is made available under the Eclipse Public License.

    128 DocFetcher alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    1
  7. Fluent Search icon
     47 likes

    Fluent Search is a fast and easy-to-use search application that lets you search for running applications, browser tabs, bookmarks, files, and more. Unlike Windows Start Menu, Fluent Search focuses on continuing existing work, it let you jump easily between running application...

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  8. Ulauncher icon
     59 likes
    • Ulauncher provides instant search results. It also remembers your previous choices and automatically selects the best option for you.
    71 Ulauncher alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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    1
  9. ueli icon
     75 likes

    Developed with the Electron framework, ueli is the type of tool that adopts simplicity, leaving out any unnecessary options and configuration settings. It creates an icon in the system tray at startup, where it sits silently throughout its runtime, without disturbing you with...

    87 ueli alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    1
  10. Tuna icon
     10 likes

    Modern macOS launcher with native Swift implementation, offering Fuzzy, Leader, Text, and Talk modes, modal interface, extension support, no subscription required, free version with soft limits, and one-time unlock for full features for customizable workflow.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  11. Quickly fuzzy search system, hidden, or dotfiles using keyboard navigation, then preview, copy paths, batch rename, or run custom scripts. Supports exclusion rules, minimal UI, Quick Filters, and power user features for efficient macOS file management.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Homebrew
     
12 of 55 Spotlight alternatives