Side by side
bemenu vs Ulauncher
Both stand on app launcher software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMac
bemenu offers several backend build targets and configurable keyboard behavior, with licensing that differs between the client and library. Check the Wayland compositor requirement and build dependencies if you plan to compile it.
Visit bemenu Free plan Linux
Choose Ulauncher if you use Linux and want a free launcher with fuzzy app search, shortcuts, themes, and extensions. Look elsewhere if you need a launcher for another platform or require extensions to alter the application’s behavior or appearance.
Visit UlauncherThe facts
| bemenu | Ulauncher | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | ulauncher.io |
| On app launcher software | #8 of 40 | #29 of 40 |
bemenu: what it does well
- Includes bemenu and bemenu-run clients
- Build targets cover curses, X11, and Wayland
- Offers optional Vim-style keyboard bindings
- Free and open source
What to know first
- Building requires a C compiler
- scdoc is needed to generate the man page
- Wayland requires a wlr-layer-shell compositor
- Provided Nix expression installs only curses backend
Ulauncher: what it does well
- Free and licensed under GNU GPL v3.0.
- Fuzzy search can recognize misspelled app names.
- Offers four built-in themes and custom themes.
- Shortcuts can run scripts and searches.
- Directory browser and calculator are listed features.
What to know first
- Available for Linux only.
- Extensions run with the user's directory and network permissions.
- Extensions cannot change the launcher's behavior or appearance.
- Fedora has no development repository currently.
Alternatives to bemenu Alternatives to Ulauncher The whole list