Side by side
HoudahSpot vs Lookeen
Both stand on desktop search software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial Mac
HoudahSpot adds detailed criteria, Boolean logic, previews, and reusable searches to Mac file finding. Its trial helps evaluate the workflow, but current macOS users should note the Apple Mail limitation.
Visit HoudahSpot
Free trial Self-hostedWebWindows
Lookeen brings wide indexing, permission-aware search, and optional AI assistance to Windows and web deployments. Its paid annual model and separate server pricing should be considered before adoption.
Visit LookeenThe facts
| HoudahSpot | Lookeen | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Mac | Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | See the plans |
| Plans published | 5 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | houdah.com | lookeen.com |
| On desktop search software | #40 of 57 | #36 of 57 |
HoudahSpot: what it does well
- Searches names, content, metadata, tags, and dates
- Boolean groups refine matching conditions
- Results offer list, icon, and thumbnail views
- Saved templates support recurring searches
- AppleScript and launcher integrations enable automation
What to know first
- Requires macOS 10.14 or newer
- Apple Mail search unavailable on Sonoma or newer
- Paid app with no free plan
- Demo mode delays opening result files
Lookeen: what it does well
- Searches email, documents, attachments, and PDFs
- Supports local, removable, and network locations
- AI assistant summarizes and analyzes text
- Local storage with permission-aware server results
- Offers a 14-day desktop trial
What to know first
- No free plan
- Desktop billing uses annual plans only
- Server pricing is custom and unlisted
- Windows support spans Vista through Windows 11
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