Ulauncher review (2026): is it any good?
Open-source application launcher for Linux with extensions
Ulauncher report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 12, 2026
Best for a fast app launcher for Linux
Ulauncher is a free app launcher for Linux with fuzzy search, extensions and color themes. It launches and searches but doesn't manage windows, and it's Linux only. Look elsewhere if you use another system.
Who Ulauncher is for
- Fits if you run Linux and want to start apps by typing
- Works for people who like adding extensions to a launcher
Who Ulauncher is not for
- Not for you if you're on a Mac or Windows, as it's Linux only
- Skip it if you want windows tiled or resized, because it doesn't do that
- Watch out: the download page lists CentOS 7, so some of its support may be dated
Why Ulauncher gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree, with optional donations through Patreon.
- AFree plan and trialThe whole app is free to use, with no tiers.
- CFeaturesFuzzy search, shortcuts, extensions, a file browser and themes. It launches things, and doesn't arrange windows, which is what this category is for.
- CEase of useNo store rating on record. You install it with your package manager and add extensions to get further.
- DPlatforms and integrationsLinux only, with Ubuntu, Debian, Arch, Fedora, openSUSE and CentOS 7 listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Ulauncher's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/ulauncher#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/ulauncher.svg" alt="Ulauncher: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Ulauncher stands among window managers and launchers
Ulauncher's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 14 of the 28 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 6.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 16 of 28) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Ulauncher has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 29 window managers and launchers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Ulauncher’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 10 of 28, level with 18
- AFree plan and trialAbove 16 of 28, level with 12
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 28, level with 18
- CEase of useAbove 3 of 28, level with 13
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 28, level with 22
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 15 window managers and launchers. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
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
Keep Ulauncher, or make your own?
Keep it
Ulauncher is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- A launcher wired into the operating system.
- A real app for Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Ulauncher’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Ulauncher?
Ulauncher is an application launcher for Linux with fuzzy search that remembers earlier picks. It adds custom shortcuts, community extensions, a file browser mode and color themes. The source is on GitHub under the GNU GPL v3.
Worth knowing
- Linux only; the download page lists Ubuntu and Debian, Arch, Fedora, openSUSE and CentOS 7.
- It launches and searches; it does not manage window layouts.
Key features
- Fuzzy search
- Finds an application despite misspelling and remembers earlier picks to rank the best result first.
- Shortcuts and extensions
- Custom shortcuts and community-built extensions give quick access to scripts and web searches.
- File browser
- Type ~ or / to browse directories, with Alt+Enter for further options.
- Color themes
- Four built-in themes and support for custom ones.
Ulauncher pricing
As of Nov 12, 2026, Ulauncher is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- The whole app is free; the site asks for optional donations through Patreon.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Open-source application, with optional donations. |
Read from ulauncher.io on Nov 12, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Ulauncher before you buy.
Ulauncher alternatives
- Ulauncher vs Raycast
Free plan · from $96/yr
Common questions
Does Ulauncher have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Ulauncher is listed for Linux.
Does Ulauncher have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. Ulauncher is listed for Linux.
Is Ulauncher open source?
Yes. Ulauncher is open source, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 12, 2026.