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Alternatives · Windows & Launchers

Cerebro alternatives

As of Nov 13, 2026, the best Cerebro alternative for most people is Wox (2.8 GPA), third in our ranking of window managers and launchers. It's also the best free one.

Cerebro compared with 5 alternatives: Albert, Ulauncher, Wox, Sol and Vicinae.

Cerebro is free to use. All 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
CerebroThis toolFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
AlbertFreeFreemacOS, Linux
UlauncherFreeFreeLinux
WoxFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
SolFreeFreemacOS
VicinaeFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux

Price against what you get

Cerebro has no paid plan and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 5 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.

Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged

D1.0C2.0B3.0A4.0Free$0.5$1$2$5$10More for lessCosts more, scores moreCosts less, scores lessCosts more, scores lessCerebroAlbertUlauncherWox

What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →

  • The best score at each price
  • Has a free plan
  • No free plan
The full chart of window managers and launchers, and the best at every price

How each one differs from Cerebro

  1. Albert

    Plugin-based keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS

    • Albert is free.
    • Albert lists no Windows app, which Cerebro has.

    Suits: Linux users who want a plugin-driven launcher

    Albert vs CerebroAlbert pricing and details

  2. Ulauncher

    Open-source application launcher for Linux with extensions

    • Ulauncher is free.
    • Ulauncher lists no Windows and macOS apps, which Cerebro has.

    Suits: Linux desktop users who want a lightweight launcher

    Ulauncher vs CerebroUlauncher pricing and details

  3. Wox

    Open-source keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux

    • Wox is free.
    • Wox also covers clipboard manager and window management.

    Suits: Users who want a free launcher on Windows, macOS and Linux

    Wox vs CerebroWox pricing and details

  4. Sol

    Open-source macOS launcher and command palette

    • Sol is free.
    • Sol lists no Windows and Linux apps, which Cerebro has.
    • Sol also covers clipboard manager, window management and calculator.

    Suits: Mac users who want a free launcher with window snapping built in

    Sol vs CerebroSol pricing and details

  5. Vicinae

    Keyboard-driven launcher for Linux, macOS and Windows

    • Vicinae is free.
    • Vicinae also covers clipboard manager, window management and calculator.

    Suits: Linux users who want a Raycast-style launcher

    Vicinae vs CerebroVicinae pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Cerebro

  • It is built on Electron, which the vendor describes as its main cross-platform route.
  • The site lists version 0.11.0 for all systems and its footer reads 2023, so it may be updated slowly.
  • Functionality beyond basic search depends on community plugins.
  • It is run by a small team of volunteers; no paid support is offered.
Cerebro pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Cerebro?

The alternatives to Cerebro in this directory are Albert, Ulauncher, Wox, Sol and Vicinae. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Cerebro.

Is there a free alternative to Cerebro?

Yes. Albert, Ulauncher, Wox, Sol and Vicinae are free to use.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Nov 12, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.