bemenu vs Ueli

bemenu is a dynamic menu library and client program inspired by dmenu. It provides the bemenu and bemenu-run clients, with build targets for curses, X11, and Wayland backends. Users can configure environment variables for options, backend selection, renderer paths, and rendering scale. The project documents default keyboard bindings and an optional Vim-style mode enabled with --binding vim. Wayland use depends on a compositor implementing the wlr-layer-shell protocol, typically a wlroots-based compositor. Clipboard pasting uses wl-paste and xclip at runtime, in that order. Building requires a C compiler, and scdoc is needed to generate the man page. The project also documents macOS build steps using Homebrew prerequisites and a build-osx.sh flow; its provided Nix expression installs only the curses backend. The client program and sources other than the library and bindings use GNU GPLv3 or later, while the library and bindings use GNU LGPLv3 or later. The project lists pinentry-bemenu as an integration. bemenu is free and open source, with no paid plans or usage limits stated.

Ueli is a cross-platform keystroke launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Press Alt+Space to show or hide it, type to search, and press Enter to open a result. For more options on a selected result, use Cmd+K on macOS or Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux. Frequently used items can be added to Favorites so they appear first in search results. Extensions include application and file search, browser bookmarks, a calculator, currency conversion, DeepL Translator, terminal launching, Visual Studio Code, and web search. Users can enable or disable extensions and configure enabled ones in their own settings sections. Ueli is free, with no paid plans or usage limits stated. Windows users can install it from the Microsoft Store or through winget using that store source; Linux and macOS downloads are also available. The maker says Ueli does not collect, store, or share personal, usage, device, or location data, and does not share information with third-party services. Installation and hotkey caveats vary by platform: downloads may be blocked on Windows or macOS, and global hotkeys may fail in Wayland sessions.