Spotlight Alternatives

Spotlight is described as 'The system-wide desktop search feature built into Apple's OS X operating system since version 10.4 (Tiger). Backed by an index of all items and files on the system, it's designed to allow the user to quickly locate a wide variety of items on the computer' and is a application launcher in the file management category. There are more than 50 alternatives to Spotlight for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad apps. The best Spotlight alternative is Everything, which is free. Other great apps like Spotlight are Flow Launcher, Vicinae, Alfred and Raycast.

filter to find the best alternatives

Spotlight alternatives are mainly File Search Utilities, but if you're looking for Application Launchers or File Managers you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Linux, Windows, Mac and Linux + File Search. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Spotlight.
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Spotlight alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. Desktop Docs icon
     3 likes

    Desktop Docs is the all-in-one platform to browse, edit, and export your media files.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  2. Scherlokk icon
     6 likes

    Performs high-speed file searches using a proprietary engine across built-in, portable, and network drives, including hidden and non-indexed files, supports detailed result filtering, provides file comparison, hex editing, autosave, advanced sorting, and multitasking.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  3. HoudahSpot icon
     11 likes

    Advanced File Search Utility for Mac OS X.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  4. FileSeek icon
     24 likes

    FileSeek is an easy-to-use file search app that includes advanced functionality for power users! Search through files using simple queries or regular expressions. You can even sync your search settings between computers.

    83 FileSeek alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  5. LaunchyQt icon
     13 likes

    :rocket: Launchy project reactivated. Get the familiar feeling now! - samsonwang/LaunchyQt

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  6. Unleash.so icon
     4 likes

    Your productivity level just sprouted wings. Find what you need easily, across your cloud services from one place. Formerly known as ChaseApp.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  7. Start icon
     1 like

    With start, the innovative launcher for macOS, you can open applications, documents, shortcuts, URLs, and folders in an instant. Say goodbye to clutter - start brings order and efficiency to your workflow.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • MacPaw Setapp
     
  8. The Spotlight Search Metadata on your Mac is a truly remarkable thing. Given some text it is able to find all occurrences anywhere on the filesystem in the blink of an eye. At that this point your options are limited however.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Spotlight
     
  9. Lattix icon
     2 likes

    Lattix is an advanced and fast resource launcher that lets you launch groups of apps, files, and websites in one click. It's built to boost your productivity and streamline your workflow.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  10. Search a comprehensive, centralized cache of all text found in your documents and other text-based files, including database and package files.

    43 FoxTrot Professional Search alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
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    1
    Comments about FoxTrot Professional Search as an Alternative to Spotlight
    jerome1
    Positive
    1

    Find the document you are searching for, locate the interesting pages inside the document, and highlight the found words in the document

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    FoxTrot Professional Search icon
    FoxTrot Professional Search icon
    • FoxTrot Professional Search is Paid and ProprietarySpotlight is Free and Proprietary
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