Cerebro vs Ueli
Cerebro
cerebroapp.com
Ueli
ueli.appSide by side
| Figure | Cerebro | Ueli |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · App Launchers | 8.3 (#10) | 8.3 (#11) |
| Spec score · App launchers | 8.3 (#11) | 8.3 (#12) |
| Spec score · App Launcher Software | 8.2 (#12) | 7.7 (#19) |
| Actions | Users can open files in their default application, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details, and view Google suggestions. | Users can open additional actions for a selected search result with Cmd+K on macOS or Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux. |
| Platforms | The official site provides download links for Windows, Mac, and Linux. | The installation instructions provide versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
| Product | Cerebro describes itself as an open-source launcher for improving productivity and efficiency. | Ueli describes itself as a cross-platform keystroke launcher. |
| Search | It searches on the user’s machine and on the internet, and can open files, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details, and show Google suggestions. | The launcher lets users type to find items and use a hotkey to show or hide the app. |
Plans
In their own words
Cerebro
Cerebro is a free, open-source desktop launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It searches a user’s machine and the internet, and can find and open files, reveal them in Finder, copy contact details, and show Google suggestions. Core plugins add web search, application search and launch, file navigation with previews, a calculator, and a smart converter. Cerebro can also display maps, translations, and files within its results without opening another application. It includes a plugin manager, and users can build and share plugins through its API. The default shortcut for showing the app window is Ctrl+Space, and users can change it in Preferences. The search plugin lists Google, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia, Brave, MetaGer, and StartPage as options, though the project notes that not all are implemented yet. Cerebro is developed in Electron, and its README identifies the license as MIT. The official site links to downloads labeled version 0.11.0 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The listed plan costs nothing, with no paid plans listed.
Ueli
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.