Software Alternatives & Startups

Ulauncher VS Things

Compare Ulauncher VS Things and see what are their differences

Ulauncher logo Ulauncher

Fast application launcher for Linux. Custom shortcuts for web URLs and scripts.

Things logo Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.
  • Ulauncher Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-14
  • Things Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17

Ulauncher features and specs

  • Speed
    Ulauncher is designed to be a fast application launcher, which helps in quickly opening applications and files, enabling more efficient workflow.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, including themes, extensions, and shortcuts, allowing users to tailor the launcher to their specific needs.
  • Fuzzy Search
    Supports fuzzy search, making it easier to find applications and files even if the exact name isn't known.
  • Lightweight
    Consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn't slow down the overall performance of the computer.
  • Extensible
    Supports plugins and extensions, which can add a wide range of additional functionalities such as web searches, clipboard management, and more.
  • Linux Support
    Specifically designed for Linux, providing a native experience and better integration with Linux desktop environments.

Possible disadvantages of Ulauncher

  • Limited Official Documentation
    The official documentation can be sparse, making it potentially challenging for new users to fully leverage all the features and customization options without community assistance.
  • Dependency on Extensions
    Relies heavily on community-developed extensions for additional functionalities, which might result in variable quality and support for those extensions.
  • Not Cross-Platform
    Ulauncher is specifically designed for Linux, limiting its use for users who operate on multiple operating systems including Windows or macOS.
  • Occasional Bugs
    As with many open-source projects, users may encounter occasional bugs or stability issues, though these are often addressed by the active community.
  • Learning Curve
    Users who are not familiar with similar application launchers or command-based interfaces might find there is a learning curve to using Ulauncher effectively.

Things features and specs

  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages of Things

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis of Ulauncher

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Ulauncher is a solid choice for users looking for an efficient and unobtrusive application launcher. Its flexibility and performance make it a valuable tool, especially for those who prioritize speed and customization.

Why this product is good

  • Ulauncher is considered a good application launcher because it is lightweight, fast, and highly customizable. It supports various plugins and extensions, allowing users to tailor it to their specific needs. It has a simple and intuitive interface, which makes it easy to use for finding applications, files, and performing web searches quickly.

Recommended for

    Ulauncher is highly recommended for Linux users who want to enhance their productivity. It's particularly beneficial for those who appreciate open-source solutions and need a versatile launcher to streamline their workflow. Users who enjoy personalizing their tools with extensions and themes will also find Ulauncher appealing.

Analysis of Things

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Ulauncher videos

Awesome Linux Tools: Ulauncher

More videos:

  • Review - Ulauncher Fast Application Launcher
  • Review - Ulauncher - Application launcher for Linux

Things videos

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos:

  • Review - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Ulauncher and Things)
Productivity
20 20%
80% 80
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100
App Launcher
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Ulauncher and Things

Ulauncher Reviews

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Things Reviews

11 Ayanza Alternatives
Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful features. It has been completely effective to boost efficiency with easy to use and is attractive to the eye. The themes are a creative and powerful feature that...
Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Things should be more popular than Ulauncher. It has been mentiond 58 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.

Ulauncher mentions (31)

  • uLauncher
    Yeah. Plus the fact that ulauncher is already an existing launcher-type app for Linux: https://ulauncher.io/. - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • Wayland Application Launchers: Stick with Rofi
    Ulauncher: Probably the most comprehensive one. Not for me, though, and using it with extensions might be tricky with Nix. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Using Ubuntu with Ulauncher
    Anyhow, I do prefer the Ulauncher over using the native GNOME launcher (probably has a different name like application menu, I mean the thing that opens once one clicks the super key). Source: over 3 years ago
  • Down the Rabbit Hole of Linux Terminal Emulators
    This problem is not unique to Tilix. I use the excellent Ulauncher tool. On X.org, Ulauncher opens on the monitor where the cursor is. On Wayland, it picks the monitor seemingly at random. - Source: dev.to / over 3 years ago
  • Just Perfection GNOME Shell Extension Version 23 (Codename Goya)
    Ulauncher. You can also watch this video to see what it can do. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Things mentions (58)

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals efficiently manage daily affairs. While Things 3 does not support team collaboration features, it provides a smooth user experience on macOS as a personal task management tool. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    Alfred - Productivity App for macOS [1] iTerm2 - macOS Terminal Replacement [2] Dropshare App - upload anything anywhere on macOS [3] Mimestream - A native macOS email client for Gmail [4] Things - To-Do List for Mac & iOS [5] [1] https://www.alfredapp.com [2] https://iterm2.com [3] https://dropshare.app [4] https://mimestream.com [5] https://culturedcode.com/things. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Ready to advance from Evernote, looking at Obsidian
    Currently, I use Things (https://culturedcode.com/things/) for tasks and Evernote for notes, and experimented with Freeform (I love the visual aspect and simplicity). At work, I've used Notion, Mural, Miro, LucidChart, Quip, and many other collaboration-based knowledge systems. I never researched the best of personal knowledge systems until now. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Ulauncher and Things, you can also consider the following products

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

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

DockbarX - DockbarX is a standalone dock that groups and launches applications.

TickTick - TickTickis a cross-platform to-do list app & task manager helps you to get all things done and make life well organized.

Gnome-Pie - Gnome-Pie is a circular application launcher for Linux.

Remember The Milk - Remember The Milk is a task and time management application for mobile devices.