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dmenu vs PortableApps.com Platform

dmenu

tools.suckless.org

PortableApps.com Platform

portableapps.com

Side by side

FiguredmenuPortableApps.com Platform
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open sourceYesYes
Windows—Yes
macOSYesYes
LinuxYesYes
Self-hostedYes—
Plans published12
Spec score · App Launcher Software8.7 (#5)8.3 (#10)
Spec score · App Launchers8.6 (#7)8.8 (#5)
Spec score · App launchers8.6 (#7)8.9 (#5)
ExtensibilityThe source tree includes configuration headers, shell helpers, C sources and manual pages, while the project publishes community patches.Developers can add non-PortableApps-format programs manually and supply command-line parameters through a .pap.ini file.
Founded20062004
SupportThe suckless community page identifies the dev mailing list as a place for dmenu users, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion.Support is available through online support pages, community forums, and live chat; the contact page says email and phone support are not offered for support issues.
What it doesdmenu is a dynamic menu for X that efficiently handles large sets of user-defined items.PortableApps.com Platform organizes, launches, installs and updates portable applications from a menu.

Plans

dmenu

  • dmenuFree

dmenu pricing →

PortableApps.com Platform

  • PortableApps.com PlatformFree
  • PortableApps.com Platform FreeFree

PortableApps.com Platform pricing →

In their own words

dmenu

dmenu is a free dynamic menu for X that handles large sets of user-defined menu items and can launch commands. It runs on Linux and was originally designed for the dwm window manager. Community scripts apply it to tasks such as browsing directories, managing clipboard contents, accessing passwords, and controlling music; contributed modifications are available in a patches collection. The project provides a browsable source repository and a Git clone command. Building requires Xlib header files, and the README describes building and installing with `make clean install`, with files placed in the `/usr/local` namespace by default. The listed release is dmenu 5.4, dated 2025-08-09. Its source uses the MIT/X Consortium License, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale of copies subject to its conditions, while disclaiming warranties. The suckless dev mailing list is identified as a venue for user questions, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion.

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PortableApps.com Platform

PortableApps.com Platform lets users assemble a portable software suite for a synced cloud folder, local computer, or USB drive. Its built-in app store provides browsing and installation without a download limit. A customizable menu organizes applications with folders, favorites, and search. The updater reports available updates and can install them without changing settings or saved files. Integrated backup and restore are listed, and installation works in synced folders such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box. Apps from the store are checked for malware and viruses and are not altered after checking, according to the support information. The platform is free and open source under GPL, with some MIT and CC components. The listed download is 7MB and installed size 19MB. Windows is listed directly; Linux, Unix, and BSD use Wine, while Mac OS X uses compatibility software. Support comes through online pages, forums, and live chat.

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