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Atuin vs zsh-history-substring-search: catalog facts
Atuin	zsh-history-substring-search
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Best for: Search shell history with command context and optional encrypted synchronization	Best for: Zsh users who want fish-style history search
Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.	Free Free to download and use.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Command line
Filter history by directory, session and exit status	Matches any part of a previous command Fish-style search without switching shells All 3 strengths for zsh-history-substring-search Matches any part of a previous command Fish-style search without switching shells Small plugin that adds to an existing Zsh setup
Synchronization requires a server connection.	Works only with Zsh Needs setup in your shell configuration
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: MIT	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Atuin github.com/atuinsh/atuin Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for zsh-history-substring-search github.com/zsh-users/zsh-history-substring-search Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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

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