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zsh-history-substring-search vs Atuin: catalog facts
zsh-history-substring-search	Atuin
Best for: Zsh users who want fish-style history search	Best for: Search shell history with command context and optional encrypted synchronization
Free Free to download and use.	Free The open-source application is available without a license fee.
Command line	Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line
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	Filter history by directory, session and exit status
Works only with Zsh Needs setup in your shell configuration	Synchronization requires a server connection.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
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 zsh-history-substring-search github.com/zsh-users/zsh-history-substring-search Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Atuin github.com/atuinsh/atuin Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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