Ueli

Ueli is a free launcher for people who want to find and open items from the keyboard on Linux, macOS or Windows. It is best suited to users who value configurable extensions and a consistent search-led workflow; platform-specific setup hurdles make it less appealing if you expect a frictionless install.

Overview

Alt+Space shows or hides Ueli. Type to search, then press Enter to launch a result; for users who prefer keyboard navigation, that keeps the route from query to action short. Ueli also lets you open additional actions for a selected result, using Cmd+K on macOS or Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux.

Ueli’s privacy statement says it does not collect, store or share personal data, usage data, device information or location data, and does not share information with third-party services. That is a clear privacy position for a tool that searches across desktop items.

Key features

Its extensions span application search, browser bookmarks, file search, web search, a terminal launcher and Visual Studio Code, as well as a calculator, currency conversion and DeepL Translator. Users can enable or disable extensions and configure each enabled one in its own settings section. This breadth makes Ueli adaptable to different workflows, while the ability to turn extensions off helps keep the launcher focused.

Favorites put frequently used items first in search results. That is a useful shortcut for recurring targets, though its value depends on whether your routine includes items you want to prioritize.

For troubleshooting, Ueli directs users to Settings and Debug, where logs may help identify problems. This gives users a place to start diagnosing issues, but does not remove the setup caveats on some platforms.

Pricing

Ueli’s Free plan costs nothing. There are no paid plans or usage limits stated, so it is a straightforward choice for anyone who wants a keyboard launcher without a subscription or a stated quota. No free trial is offered, but there is no paid tier to trial.

Platforms

Ueli runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, with downloads provided for Linux and macOS. Windows users can install it from the Microsoft Store or through winget using the Microsoft Store source. That range makes it a plausible fit for users working across the three desktop systems, but the installation experience differs by platform.

Manually downloaded Windows binaries are unsigned, and Windows may prevent installation or opening. The macOS binaries are unsigned and not notarized; macOS may block them until the user allows the app in Privacy & Security settings. On Linux, global hotkeys may fail in Wayland sessions, for which Ueli suggests configuring a system shortcut as a workaround. These are meaningful caveats for anyone expecting the default hotkey and installer flow to work without intervention.

Who it's for

Ueli suits people who prefer keyboard-driven search, want to combine several kinds of desktop lookup in one launcher, or need a free option that spans Linux, macOS and Windows. It is a weaker fit for users who want signed or notarized downloads on macOS and Windows, or dependable global hotkeys in Wayland without a workaround.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free across three desktop platforms: the plan has no stated usage limits or paid upgrade requirement.
• Broad extension mix: users can search files, bookmarks and applications, or reach tools such as a calculator and translator from the launcher.
• Configurable workflow: extensions can be enabled, disabled and configured individually, while Favorites prioritize recurring items.
• Clear privacy position: Ueli says it does not collect, store or share personal, usage, device or location data.

Cons

• Signing hurdles: manually downloaded Windows binaries are unsigned, and macOS builds are unsigned and not notarized, so either system may block opening.
• Wayland hotkey caveat: Linux users may need to create a system shortcut if global hotkeys do not work.

Alternatives

App Launcher Software is the broader category to browse if you want to compare more launchers.

Choose Launchy if its free, pay-what-you-want model and support for Android alongside Linux, macOS and Windows better match your needs. Its suggested value is $10 USD, with free download and a suggestion to consider paying $3; Ueli has no paid plans stated.

Raycast is worth considering if you want its free tier’s core features and thousands of extensions, with three months of Clipboard History and five Notes; it also offers a Teams Free plan. Its platform coverage includes iOS as well as macOS and Windows, unlike Ueli’s desktop focus.

Pick Alfred if you use macOS and want its free app launching and file searching, or prefer the option of a $34.00 USD once Single License for one user on two of their own Macs and the current version. Ueli instead covers Linux and Windows as well.

dmenu is a free Linux option built as an X11 dynamic menu under the MIT/X Consortium License.

foot is a free Wayland terminal emulator under the MIT license, rather than a cross-platform launcher.

Keypirinha is a Windows-only freeware choice with no nag screen, time limit or ads.

Rofi is a free option for Linux and macOS; its development version has no tarball release.

SyMenu is a free Windows option for Windows 10 and 11, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Verdict

Choose Ueli if you want a free, configurable keyboard launcher that brings a broad set of search extensions to Linux, macOS and Windows. Its extension controls, Favorites and stated privacy stance are compelling reasons to start there. Look elsewhere if unsigned downloads or Wayland hotkey workarounds are unacceptable; those platform caveats are the main cost of an otherwise unrestricted free plan.