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KRunner vs Ulauncher: catalog facts
KRunner	Ulauncher
Best for: KDE Plasma users who want a keyboard launcher already in their desktop	Best for: Fast, extensible application launcher built for Linux desktops
Free Free and open source as part of KDE Plasma.	Free Free and open source, with optional donations supporting development.
Linux	Linux
Built into Plasma, with no extra install on most setups Extended by plugins called runners All 3 strengths for KRunner Built into Plasma, with no extra install on most setups Extended by plugins called runners Shows recently used programs for quick relaunch	Large extension ecosystem for adding custom functionality Fast, minimal interface focused on keyboard use
Tied to the KDE Plasma desktop Some runners need an extra addons package All 3 limitations for KRunner Tied to the KDE Plasma desktop Some runners need an extra addons package Many active runners can slow its start	Linux only, no macOS or Windows build Extension quality varies since they are community-maintained
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for KRunner userbase.kde.org/Plasma/Krunner Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Ulauncher ulauncher.io Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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