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Search Light vs Ulauncher: catalog facts
Search Light	Ulauncher
Best for: GNOME users who want a Spotlight-style search box	Best for: Fast, extensible application launcher built for Linux desktops
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source, with optional donations supporting development.
Linux	Linux
Spotlight-style popup without leaving the current workspace Uses GNOME's built-in search All 3 strengths for Search Light Spotlight-style popup without leaving the current workspace Uses GNOME's built-in search Configurable through a preferences dialog	Large extension ecosystem for adding custom functionality Fast, minimal interface focused on keyboard use
Only works on GNOME Shell GNOME extensions can break with new GNOME releases	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 Search Light github.com/icedman/search-light Catalog checked September 24, 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.