Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Fluent Search VS Raycast

Compare Fluent Search VS Raycast and see what are their differences

Fluent Search logo Fluent Search

With Fluent Search you can search for running apps, browser tabs, in-app content, files and more. You can use fluent search to use the computer without a mouse.

Raycast logo Raycast

Fastest way to control Jira, GitHub and other web apps
  • Fluent Search Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-08-29
  • Raycast Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-24

Fluent Search features and specs

  • Fast Search Capabilities
    Provides quick and efficient search results by indexing files, programs, and other content on your computer.
  • Intuitive Interface
    Features a user-friendly interface with a modern design that simplifies the search process for users of all experience levels.
  • Customization Options
    Allows users to customize search settings, filters, and shortcuts to tailor the search experience to their needs.
  • Integration with Popular Apps
    Integrates with various applications and services, making it easier to find documents, emails, and other content across different platforms.
  • Contextual Search
    Offers contextual search capabilities that bring up relevant information based on the current workflow, improving productivity.
  • Multilingual Support
    Supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Possible disadvantages of Fluent Search

  • Resource Intensive
    Can consume significant system resources, which might slow down older computers or those with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Learning Curve
    Some features might have a steep learning curve, requiring time for new users to fully understand and benefit from all functionalities.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Potential privacy issues related to indexing and searching personal files and data; users need to trust the software with sensitive information.
  • Limited Offline Functionality
    Certain features might require an internet connection to function properly, potentially limiting usefulness when offline.
  • Potential for Bugs and Glitches
    Like any software, Fluent Search may have occasional bugs or glitches that could disrupt the search experience.

Raycast features and specs

  • Speed
    Raycast is known for its blazing fast performance, allowing users to quickly access and execute commands without noticeable lag.
  • Customization
    Raycast offers extensive customization options, enabling users to tailor the tool to meet their specific workflow needs and preferences.
  • Integration
    Raycast integrates seamlessly with a variety of applications and tools, improving productivity by allowing users to perform tasks directly within the launcher.
  • User Interface
    Raycast features an intuitive and clean user interface, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate and utilize its features.
  • Community Support
    Raycast has an active community that contributes plugins, custom scripts, and support, enhancing the functionality of the tool and providing valuable resources.

Possible disadvantages of Raycast

  • Platform Limitation
    As of now, Raycast is only available for macOS, limiting its accessibility for users on other operating systems such as Windows and Linux.
  • Learning Curve
    New users might face a learning curve due to the number of features and customization options available, which might be overwhelming initially.
  • Dependency on Plugins
    While plugin support enhances functionality, dependency on third-party plugins can lead to stability issues or conflicts if those plugins are not well-maintained.
  • Cost
    Although Raycast offers a free version, some advanced features and integrations may require a subscription, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any tool that integrates deeply into your system and workflows, there can be concerns regarding data privacy and security, even though Raycast maintains strong privacy policies.

Analysis of Fluent Search

Overall verdict

  • Fluent Search is generally considered a good tool for individuals looking for a powerful and efficient search solution beyond the default options available in most operating systems. It offers a range of features and customization options that cater to both casual users and power users.

Why this product is good

  • Fluent Search is an application designed to enhance productivity by allowing users to search their computer and the web more efficiently. Its advanced search algorithms and intuitive user interface make it a valuable tool for quickly finding files, applications, browser tabs, and more. It provides a seamless experience by helping users save time and streamline their workflow.

Recommended for

  • Individuals who want a faster and more efficient search experience on their computer.
  • Professionals who manage large volumes of files and need quick access to specific ones.
  • Users who prefer customizable search tools that integrate with various applications and services.

Analysis of Raycast

Overall verdict

  • Yes, Raycast is considered a good tool, especially for macOS users who want to enhance productivity and optimize their desktop experience. Its balance of functionality, speed, and customization makes it a valuable asset.

Why this product is good

  • Raycast is praised for its efficiency in streamlining workflows on macOS. It acts as a powerful application launcher, offering features like quick access to apps, system commands, and a broad range of extensions. Users appreciate its speed, simplicity, and the ability to customize it to fit their specific needs.

Recommended for

  • MacOS users looking for a fast application launcher
  • Professionals who want to streamline their workflow
  • Developers and power users seeking customizable tools
  • Individuals interested in keyboard-driven productivity solutions

Fluent Search videos

Fluent Search | a Fluent Spotlight Search for Windows [Windows 10] App Review

More videos:

  • Review - Fluent Search - Best Alternative to Spotlight for Windows
  • Review - Fluent Search - Process Search

Raycast videos

Hands on - Increase your Mac Productivity with Raycast

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Fluent Search and Raycast)
Productivity
26 26%
74% 74
App Launcher
41 41%
59% 59
AI
0 0%
100% 100
Mac
36 36%
64% 64

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Fluent Search and Raycast

Fluent Search Reviews

We have no reviews of Fluent Search yet.
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Raycast Reviews

Top 10 Productivity Apps for MacOSย 2025
Since my first Mac, Iโ€™ve always used Alfred, but Raycast has quickly stolen the crown when it comes to Spotlight search. Raycast is a powerful alternative that consolidates multiple functionalities into a single, sleek interface. It eliminates the need for separate apps like Rectangle for window management or Paste for clipboard history. Ideal for developers, it integrates...
Source: dev.to
4 Best Spotlight Alternatives to Increase Your Macโ€™s Functionality
Similar to Raycast, LaunchBar also shows you your reminders and lets you manage your events, so you never miss out on whatโ€™s on your agenda for the day. And, you get the ability to create or use custom scripts to extend Raycastโ€™s functionality and use it for automating repetitive tasks.
Source: techpp.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Raycast should be more popular than Fluent Search. It has been mentiond 38 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Fluent Search mentions (10)

  • Win-Vind: Vim powers with speed of thought in Windows 11
    The best is https://fluentsearch.net/ that supports on screen keywords search as well as a powerful launcher and file indexer. For screen search it supports UIA as well as image/text based on OCR like search. It is the best and more accurate than win-vind. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • The Day Windows Died
    Fluent Search [0] with Everything for your woes. 0 - https://fluentsearch.net/. - Source: Hacker News / over 2 years ago
  • Look at this, I finally was able to create custom window using WinUI. I think it's still very difficult for developers to port their applications to WinUI.
    I developed a similar app called Fluent Search, if you'd like to try it out - https://fluentsearch.net It can be changed to look similar to spotlight and is using Windows 11's design. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Programs that saved you 100 hours? (2022 edition)
    Windows: Fluent Search. Blown away it's not a part of Windows - https://fluentsearch.net/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 3 years ago
  • Upgraded to Windows 11 in hopes of a better search function. Am I doing something wrong? I look for "do" knowing I have a file on my pc called "do.txt" and the BEST MATCH is "Steam"? I'd bet I have opened the do.txt more than Steam by now too!
    If you like this, then take a look at Fluent Search. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Raycast mentions (38)

  • Raycast, Warp, Tmux?! My terminal stack after 30 dev experiments
    Raycast โ€” The launcher with extensions, scripts, and fast everything. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • ๐ŸคฏPowerful AI Tools You Should Know v2๐Ÿซต
    Raycast: Your Shortcut to Everything. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Tools that keep me productive
    Raycast is my go-to replacement for macOS' spotlight. It's like Spotlight on steroids. I previously used Alfred, another outstanding Spotlight alternative, but for some reason Raycast grew on me. I also use it for window management. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • A collection of useful Mac Apps
    Raycast - Price: Free Spotlight-like app for macOS that allows you to quickly access and execute commands, access apps, hotkeys, text expansion, clipboard manager and more. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Everything I Installed on My New Mac
    Raycast is a productivity tool that lets you search apps and do things just with a single keystroke. It's like Spotlight on steroids. I've been using it for a while now and it's been a game-changer. I can't imagine using my Mac without it. I use it to open apps, search files, run scripts, and so much more. It has a vibrant ecosystem of extensions that you can install to do even more. I highly recommend checking it... - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Fluent Search and Raycast, you can also consider the following products

Alfred - Alfred is an award-winning app for macOS which boosts your efficiency with hotkeys, keywords, text expansion and more. Search your Mac and the web, and be more productive with custom actions to control your Mac.

Keypirinha - A lightning fast and flexible keystroke launcher for Windows. No installation required (portable).

Slapdash - Fastest way to work across your cloud apps โšก๏ธ

Listary - Listary is a revolutionary search utility for Windows

Wox - An effective launcher for windows. A full-featured launcher, access programs and web contents as you type. Be more productive ever since. Wox is free for use and open-sourced at Github, Try it now! Downloadย .

CopyQ - CopyQ : Clipboard Manager with Advanced Features.