Compare software

ripgrep vs The Silver Searcher: catalog facts
ripgrepThe Silver Searcher
Free

Free and open source, dual licensed under the Unlicense or the MIT licence.

Free

Free and open source under the Apache 2.0 license.

Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line Command line
  • Several times faster than grep and git grep on a large tree
  • Respects gitignore, so results are relevant by default
  • Searches code across project files
  • Respects common repository ignore files
  • Command line only
  • The gitignore defaults surprise people until they learn the -u flags
  • Requires a terminal to use
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: Unlicense OR MIT License: Apache-2.0
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 21, 2026

Checked October 8, 2026

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