If you’re into app launchers, you know how much they can change the way you use your computer. For Windows, I’ve always loved Flow Launcher, and on macOS, Raycast is my go-to. While the Raycast team has hinted at a Windows version in the future, there are already some cross-platform options out there. One of these is Ueli, a launcher that promises a consistent experience no matter what operating system you’re using.
So, I decided to give Ueli a try and see what it brings to the table. Spoiler: it’s an interesting option with some solid features, but it doesn’t quite replace my favorites just yet.
Ueli Works Across Platforms
One of Ueli’s biggest selling points is its cross-platform availability. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, Ueli offers a consistent experience. I haven’t tested the Linux version, but on both Windows and macOS, the app runs and looks almost identical. That’s great for users who switch between platforms regularly.
However, there are some quirks. For example, on macOS, the Option key is labeled as Alt, which could confuse users unfamiliar with keyboard differences across systems. Beyond that, Ueli delivers a smooth and consistent experience, with all plug-ins working seamlessly on both platforms.
That said, one thing Ueli doesn’t offer is the ability to sync your settings across devices. It’s not a dealbreaker, but being able to carry your preferences from one machine to another would be a nice touch.
Customization Options: Solid, but Room for Improvement
Ueli’s customization options are impressive. You can tweak the app’s theme, resize the search bar, and even adjust how frequently it refreshes queries. You can also change the default search engine or browser for web results.
Each extension also comes with its own customization settings, letting you fine-tune the experience to fit your needs. However, there are some limitations. For instance, there’s no way to assign different prefixes for launching specific extensions. This means that performing a web search requires selecting your search engine, pressing Enter, and then typing your query—taking a bit more time than necessary.
The Browser bookmarks extension is another example of where Ueli falls short. While it’s handy for searching bookmarks, it only works with a few preset browsers. Comparatively, Flow Launcher allows you to browse bookmarks folders from almost any browser, offering far more flexibility.
Limited Extensions Hold Ueli Back
One major drawback of Ueli is its limited ecosystem of extensions. It comes with about 20 extensions out of the box, but there’s no way to add more. While the available extensions—like a calculator, currency converter, and system commands—are useful, they can’t compete with the extensive libraries found in Raycast or Flow Launcher.
For instance, Raycast and Flow Launcher have hundreds of extensions, including niche ones like a Pokédex. While most people don’t need a Pokédex, the sheer variety makes those launchers incredibly versatile. Ueli’s more controlled approach is understandable, but it needs more extensions to truly compete.
Workflows: A Standout Feature
One of Ueli’s most impressive features is Workflows. This extension lets you create custom sets of tasks that can be executed with a single command. You can launch apps, open files or URLs, run terminal commands, or execute background processes—all in one go.
For example, I created a workflow to start my workday by opening all the apps I use regularly: Opera Air, Slack, Beeper, Spark, and Newsify. Another workflow checks for app updates via winget and installs them automatically.
While this feature is great, it does have some limitations. On Windows, finding file paths for apps can be a hassle, especially for Microsoft Store apps. On macOS, this is less of an issue since all apps are in the Applications folder. Additionally, it would be nice if workflows could include specific Ueli commands, which could unlock even more possibilities.
Is Ueli Worth It?
Ueli is a promising cross-platform launcher that delivers a consistent experience across devices. Its Workflows feature is a standout, and it’s clear the app has potential. However, its current limitations—particularly the lack of extensions and some missing customization options—make it hard to recommend over established alternatives like Flow Launcher and Raycast.
For now, Ueli might not be the best choice for most users. But if the developers continue to expand its capabilities, it could become a serious contender in the future. Until then, you’re probably better off sticking with Flow Launcher for Windows or Raycast for macOS.
