can i fork it?

Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Raycast · 🎨 design

Raycast vs Ueli

A keyboard-driven launcher that helps you quickly find and open applications, files, and bookmarks across Windows, macOS, and Linux Here is how Ueli ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Raycast ($20/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Comparison

Ueli is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Raycast. Switching from Raycast ($20/mo) saves $240/yr per solo seat, or $1,200/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.

The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

Open-Source Alternative

Ueli

$0.00/mo · Open Source

Raycast vs Ueli Specifications

facts verified 2026-11-07

DimensionRaycast (Paid)Ueli (Replacement)
Monthly Price$20 / mo$0 / mo
1-Year Cost (1 seat)$240 / yr$0 / yr (Save $240)
1-Year Cost (5 seats)$1,200 / yr$0 / yr (Save $1,200)
1-Year Cost (10 seats)$2,400 / yr$0 / yr (Save $2,400)
Source & LicenseProprietary SaaSopen source Open Source
Where It RunsVendor CloudLocal (on your machine)
PlatformsWeb / Cloud
desktopcross-platformone-click install
GitHub Stars—★ 4.6k (active nov 2026)

Deep Dive: Switching from Raycast to Ueli

Trade-offs, installation & data architecture

The Catch vs Raycast

What you trade away

Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

Installation

How to deploy Ueli

Clone https://github.com/oliverschwendener/ueli or deploy with Docker Compose

Day-2 Operations & Setup

What it takes to run

Download the native package or installer for your operating system.

Data Ownership

Where your data lives

All application data lives locally on your own machine.

Build vs Fork Verdict: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens)

Why fork Ueli instead of vibe-coding a Raycast clone?

Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Raycast or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Ueli.

Raycast vs Ueli FAQ

Is Ueli a good free alternative to Raycast?+

Yes. Ueli is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Raycast. A keyboard-driven launcher that helps you quickly find and open applications, files, and bookmarks across Windows, macOS, and Linux

What is the catch when switching from Raycast to Ueli?+

Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

How much do you save switching from Raycast to Ueli?+

Raycast costs $20/mo ($240/yr) per seat, whereas Ueli is $0/mo. Switching saves $240/yr for a solo user, $1,200/yr for a 5-person team, and $2,400/yr for a 10-person team.

How do I install or self-host Ueli instead of Raycast?+

Install: Clone https://github.com/oliverschwendener/ueli or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.

Other Free Alternatives to Raycast

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