Dexpot vs Fluent Search (2026): which should you pick?
As of Nov 13, 2026, Fluent Search grades higher than Dexpot: 2.8 against 2.2 out of 4.0.
Checked Nov 13, 2026 · graded Nov 13, 2026 by ToolGPA
Fluent Search grades higher on value for money, the free plan and ease of use. They get the same grade on features and platforms.
Price, platforms and features side by side. The table says where each price was read and when.
Fluent Search
Windows search tool for files, apps, tabs and open windows
Free
Which one is for you
Pick Dexpot if
- Fits if you run an older Windows version and want several desktops with their own wallpapers
- Works for private users who want a free desktop pager
Look elsewhere if
- Skip it if you are on Windows 10 or 11, because the download page doesn't list them and the vendor's 2016 news says compatibility problems are known
- Not for you if you use it at work, as the free version is for private use only and a license is EUR 24.90 per computer
- Watch out: the latest release is 1.6.14 from September 2014, so don't expect new features or fixes
- Skip it if you use macOS or Linux, since there is only a Windows version
Pick Fluent Search if
- Fits if you want one box that finds files, apps and open tabs on Windows
- Works for people who want to drive the screen from the keyboard
Look elsewhere if
- Not for you if you use a Mac or Linux machine, as it runs only on Windows
- Too light for arranging windows, since it focuses on search
- Skip it if you want the proven build: the site describes ARM64 as newer and less proven
- Watch out: the site asks for donations but states no paid plan, so its funding is not shown
How we grade them
| 2.2GPADexpotFair | 2.8GPAFluent SearchGood | |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | BFree for private use, and the one-time business license is EUR 24.90 per computer, about $27.50, which is above the category's $19 middle one-time price. Business use is not free. | AThe downloads carry no price, and the page only asks for optional donations. |
| Free plan and trial | BVersion 1.6 is free for private, non-commercial use with no stated cap, and one person could live on it. Companies have to buy a license. | AFree outright, with installers, portable builds and a Microsoft Store listing. |
| Features | CPreview of all desktops, a pager, per-desktop icons and wallpapers, window rules and a task switcher. It does the job, but it hasn't been updated since 2014. | CSearch across the PC, a native file indexer, screen search, plugins and tags. It is a search tool, so it covers little of what a window manager does. |
| Ease of use | CNo store rating on record. It is a program to install, but the rules, Dexgrid and per-desktop settings take some setting up. | BNo store rating is on record, but you install it and type into one box. |
| Platforms and integrations | DWindows only, and the download page lists XP through 8.1 rather than current versions. | DWindows only, on x64 and ARM64. No Mac, Linux or phone version. |
| Best for | virtual desktops on older Windows | one search box for files, apps and tabs on Windows |
The GPA is the average of the five grades: an A is 4 points, an F is none. The full reasons are on each tool's page: Dexpot and Fluent Search. How we grade
Where they differ
- Fluent Search also covers launcher.
In commonFree planWindowsKeyboard-firstWindow management
At a glance
| Dexpot | Fluent Search | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan | Free |
| Starts at | EUR 24.90 per computer, one-time | Free |
| Free plan | Free for private use only, per the download page. | None |
| Free trial | None listed | None listed |
| Windows | ||
| Made by | Dexpot GbR | Fluent Search |
| Price read from | dexpot.de | fluentsearch.net |
| Checked | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 |
Worth knowing
Dexpot
- The current version is 1.6.14 from September 2014, and the download page lists Windows XP through 8.1; Windows 10 and 11 are not listed.
- The vendor's newest news item, from February 2016, says Windows 10 compatibility problems are known and an update will follow.
- The free edition is for private use only; business use needs a paid license.
- Prices are shown in euros, with an approximate dollar conversion.
Fluent Search
- Windows only, on x64 and ARM64; the ARM64 build is described by the site as newer and less proven.
- The site asks for donations but states no paid plan, so how it is funded is not shown.
Key features
Dexpot
- Full-screen preview
- A live overview of all desktops where windows can be dragged between them or copied, tiled and closed.
- Switching tools
- A desktop manager toolbar, a taskbar pager, a Dexgrid row-and-column layout and hotkeys such as Alt+1 to Alt+4.
- Per-desktop backgrounds and icons
- Each desktop can have its own wallpaper, color and set of desktop icons, including different backgrounds per monitor.
- Power rules
- Rules act on newly created windows, with actions such as always on top, minimize to tray or a transparency value.
- Application assignment
- Binds an application to one desktop or to all desktops and can launch programs on a chosen desktop.
- Task switcher
- DexTab replaces Alt+Tab with a list of windows across all desktops.
Fluent Search
- Search across the PC
- Looks up files, browser tabs, history, apps and open windows from one search interface.
- Native file indexer
- Scans files with an indexer that the site says keeps CPU use low.
- Screen Search
- Lets you move around the screen using only the keyboard, without a mouse.
- Plugins
- Extends search with community-developed plugins.
- Search tags
- A tag system narrows results to the kind of item you want.
Plans
Dexpot
Private use$0
Dexpot 1.6 is free for private, non-commercial use.
Single licenseEUR 24.90
one-time, per computer (EU price includes VAT)
Pro license for one computer or client, with support and updates for the 1.6.x series. Packages of 5 or more cost less per copy.
Fluent Search
Free$0
The downloads on the site carry no price; the page only asks for optional donations.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, Dexpot or Fluent Search?
As of Nov 13, 2026, Dexpot starts at EUR 24.90 per computer, one-time, and Fluent Search is free.
Which has a free plan, Dexpot or Fluent Search?
As of Nov 13, 2026, both Dexpot and Fluent Search have a free plan.
More comparisons
How this page was made
- The verdict at the top follows a fixed rule. When both tools are in the same category and either is in our top three for it, the verdict follows that ranking: the higher-placed tool is our pick. The top three weigh who each tool suits as well as its grades, so a pick can go against the GPA. Otherwise the page does not pick one and says which grades higher: the higher GPA first; on a tie, the one with a free plan, then the one that starts cheaper in dollars a month, counted the same way for both; if they are still level, what the choice depends on.
- The grades are our own, from each tool’s review or report card. The GPA is their average.
- Prices, plans and platforms come from each tool’s listing. The table above says where each price was read and when.
- The differences and the answers to the questions are worked out from those listings.