Compare software

ArcMenu vs Slingshot: catalog facts
ArcMenu	Slingshot
Best for: GNOME users who want a classic application menu instead of the activities overview	Best for: elementary OS and Pantheon desktop users
Free Free and open source under the GPL version 2 or later.	Free Free and included with elementary OS.
Linux	Linux
Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout All 3 strengths for ArcMenu Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout Open source and published as releases on GitLab	Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications All 3 strengths for Slingshot Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications Ships by default on elementary OS
Only works inside GNOME Shell GNOME extensions can need updates after major GNOME releases	Designed for Pantheon and not meant for other desktops
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-2.0-or-later	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for ArcMenu gitlab.com/arcmenu/ArcMenu Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Slingshot github.com/elementary/applications-menu Catalog checked October 2, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.