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Comparison · App launchers

Flow Launcher vs Ulauncher: which is better in 2026?

Flow LaunchervsUlauncher

Flow Launcher ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#5 against #6, score 84.0 against 81.0).

Choose Flow Launcher if you want

Windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins.

A free, MIT-licensed Windows launcher that searches files through Everything or Windows Search, along with bookmarks, Windows settings and the web. Plugin quality varies because each plugin is community-made.

Choose Ulauncher if you want

Linux desktop users who want fast app search.

The Linux launcher in this list, with fuzzy app search, a directory browser and extensions under GPL-3.0-or-later. It runs on Linux only, so it does not cover Mac or Windows.

The main differences

  • Only Ulauncher runs on Linux.
  • Only Flow Launcher runs on Windows.

Side by side

Flow LauncherUlauncher
Score84.081.0
Rank in list#5 of 7#6 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under MITFree and open sourceFree and open source; installs from Linux repositories and the AUR
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWindowsWindowsLinuxLinux
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forWindows users who want an open-source launcher with pluginsLinux desktop users who want fast app search
Strengths
  • Free and MIT licensed
  • Searches files through Everything or Windows Search
  • Fuzzy search and a fast directory browser
  • Free and open source under GPL-3.0-or-later
Limits
  • Windows only
  • Plugin quality varies between contributors
  • Runs on Linux only
  • Extensions vary in quality and maintenance
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Flow Launcher vs Ulauncher

Is Flow Launcher better than Ulauncher?
Flow Launcher ranks higher in our list of app launchers (#5 against #6, score 84.0 against 81.0). Flow Launcher is best for: windows users who want an open-source launcher with plugins. Ulauncher is best for: linux desktop users who want fast app search.
Which is cheaper, Flow Launcher or Ulauncher?
Flow Launcher: Free and open source under MIT. Ulauncher: Free and open source; installs from Linux repositories and the AUR.
Do Flow Launcher and Ulauncher run on the same platforms?
Flow Launcher supports Windows. Ulauncher supports Linux.