Alternatives to Cerebro
Launch applications and run searches from a keyboard-driven panel. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Cerebro
Launch applications and run searches from a keyboard-driven panel.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Cerebro.
Ueli
A keystroke launcher that works the same on Windows, macOS and Linux, which most launchers do not.
Ueli keeps the same launcher on Windows, macOS and Linux under MIT, is actively developed, and offers a signed Microsoft Store install on Windows.
Wox
A fully native keyboard launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux, with GPU rendering and a plugin system, as an open Raycast alternative.
Wox runs natively with GPU rendering on Windows, macOS and Linux under GPL-3.0, with a plugin store for Node.js, Python and script plugins.
Raycast
Fast macOS launcher replacing Spotlight with clipboard history and extensions.
Raycast is macOS only and closed source, but adds built-in clipboard history, window management and an extension ecosystem, with some features on paid plans.
Alfred
macOS productivity launcher with custom workflows, clipboard history, and snippets.
Alfred is macOS only and closed source, adding custom workflows, clipboard history and snippets, though those need the paid Powerpack.
Flow Launcher
Press a hotkey, type a few letters, and open an app, a file, a bookmark or a web search on Windows.
Flow Launcher is MIT-licensed like Cerebro but Windows only, using the Everything index for instant file search and an in-app plugin store.
Albert
Extensible keyboard launcher for Linux and macOS inspired by Alfred.
Albert is free, open source and written in C++/Qt for speed, but it runs only on Linux and macOS, with no Windows support.
Ulauncher
Fast, extensible application launcher built for Linux desktops.
Ulauncher is free and open source with a large extension ecosystem, but it runs only on Linux desktops, with no macOS or Windows build.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Cerebro as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Keypirinha
A very fast keystroke launcher for Windows, entirely portable, with packages written in Python.
Cerebro is MIT-licensed and cross-platform, extending actions with plugins, though their availability depends on third-party maintenance.
Listary
Instant file search and app launching on Windows, with a search box that appears inside file dialogs as well as on its own.
Cerebro is free, MIT-licensed and cross-platform, launching apps and searches from a keyboard panel extended by third-party plugins.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Kando
Circular pie menu that launches apps, runs scripts and fires keyboard shortcuts.
