Compare software

Recoll vs DEVONsphere Express: catalog facts
Recoll	DEVONsphere Express
Free Free and open source under the GPL.	Paid One-time purchase for $9.95.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Browser extension	macOS
Handles an unusually wide range of formats, including mail folders Powerful query language with stemming, fields and proximity	Finds related items across the Mac and the web Boolean search operators like DEVONthink
Format support depends on external helper programs being installed The Qt interface is functional rather than polished	macOS only Overlaps with Spotlight for simple searches
Downloadable app, Browser extension	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: GPL-2.0	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 2, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.