Side by side
ack vs idx
Both stand on code search tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Visit ack Free plan LinuxMac
Choose idx if you want free, local search for a Git repository and value ranked results, query filters, or the documented AI editor workflow. Look elsewhere if regex search, code navigation, or IDE extensions are requirements.
Visit idxThe facts
| ack | idx | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | beyondgrep.com | idx.cool |
| On code search tools | #22 of 42 | #18 of 42 |
ack: what it does well
idx: what it does well
- Ranks matching files with BM25 and a filename bonus.
- Supports AND and OR queries plus path and extension filters.
- Tracks repository changes with a background agent.
- Promotes files opened with `idx read` in later searches.
- Runs locally without telemetry or cloud indexing, according to its maker.
What to know first
- Requires a Git repository and a running background agent for search.
- Does not provide regex search or code navigation.
- Does not provide IDE extensions.