Ueli

Ueli is a keyboard-driven launcher for people who want to find and open desktop items without navigating menus. It is best suited to users who want one configurable launcher on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its extension range and free plan make it a practical option, provided you can work around platform-specific installation or hotkey snags.

Overview

Press Alt+Space to show or hide Ueli, type to search, then press Enter to launch a result. That keeps common desktop tasks within a compact keyboard flow, while additional actions on selected results give the launcher a role beyond opening items.

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 meaningful assurance for software used to search across desktop items.

Key features

Extensions cover 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 routines; the ability to turn extensions off helps keep the launcher focused on the tools you actually use.

Favorites put frequently used items first in search results, which is useful when the same targets recur. For more control over a result, Cmd+K on macOS or Ctrl+K on Windows and Linux opens additional actions. These shortcuts add flexibility without changing the core search-and-launch flow.

Pricing

Ueli is free: its Free plan costs nothing. There is no free trial because there are no paid plans to try, and no usage limits are stated. That makes it an easy fit for anyone seeking a no-cost desktop launcher, rather than a product whose core value depends on moving to a subscription.

Platforms

Ueli supports Linux, macOS and Windows. Windows users can install it from the Microsoft Store or with winget using the Microsoft Store source. Manually downloaded Windows binaries are unsigned, and Windows may prevent installation or opening. The Store route is the straightforward availability option.

The maker provides macOS downloads, but those binaries are unsigned and not notarized. macOS may block them until you allow the app to open in Privacy & Security settings, a friction point for users who prefer software to launch without a security override.

Linux downloads are available, though global hotkeys may fail in Wayland sessions. Configuring a system shortcut is the suggested workaround. If reliable global hotkeys are essential and you use Wayland, that extra setup may make Ueli a less convenient choice.

Who it's for

Ueli suits people who prefer keyboard access to applications, files and other searchable items, especially those who want to tune the launcher with extensions or use it across different desktop platforms. Its privacy position and free price also suit users looking for a lightweight way to bring several common tasks into one search interface.

It is less compelling for anyone who expects a smooth, signed installation on macOS or manually downloaded Windows builds, or who depends on global hotkeys working without configuration in Wayland. For troubleshooting, Ueli directs users to Settings and Debug, where logs may help identify problems.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free use across Linux, macOS and Windows makes it accessible to users on all three desktop platforms.
• Pros: Extensions span search, utilities and translation, and can be individually enabled and configured.
• Pros: Favorites prioritize recurring targets, while keyboard shortcuts expose search and additional result actions.
• Pros: The privacy statement rules out collection, storage or sharing of personal, usage, device and location data.
• Cons: Unsigned Windows downloads and unsigned, unnotarized macOS binaries can trigger operating-system blocks or extra steps.
• Cons: Wayland users may need to configure a system shortcut if global hotkeys do not work.

Alternatives

Compare app launcher software if you want to weigh Ueli against a broader set of launchers.

• Raycast is worth considering if its freemium plan, free trial and thousands of extensions better fit your needs; its free plan includes three months of Clipboard History and five Notes.
• Launchy is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows, and also supports Android; its pay-what-you-want plan is downloadable free, with a recommended value of $10 USD and a suggestion to consider paying $3.
• Alfred is a macOS-focused alternative with free app launching and file searching. Its Single License costs $34, paid once for one user’s two own Macs and the current version.
• 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.
• Rofi is a free Linux and macOS alternative; its development version has no tarball release.
• Executor is a free Windows and self-hosted alternative under the MIT license, with commercial use allowed.
• GiMeSpace QuickMenu is a free Windows program for Windows XP and up, with two downloads for different display resolutions.

Verdict

Choose Ueli if you want a free, configurable keyboard launcher with useful extensions and support across Linux, macOS and Windows. Its main advantage is bringing varied search and utility extensions into one interface; its main drawback is the potential setup friction from unsigned installers and Wayland hotkey limitations. If those caveats suit your platform and tolerance for configuration, Ueli is a sensible choice; if not, compare alternatives for a better fit.