fzf vs Alfred: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between fzf and Alfred comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
fzf
A command-line fuzzy finder for quickly locating files, commands, and more.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • A fast, general-purpose command-line fuzzy finder.
- • Supports fuzzy matching for files, history, processes, and more.
Alfred
Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Alfred is a productivity app for Mac that boosts efficiency with custom workflows and hotkeys
- • It replaces Spotlight with powerful search, snippets, clipboard history, and automation capabilities
| At a Glance |  fzf |  Alfred |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | IDE & Code Editors | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 85/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | fzf | Alfred |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools | Terminal ToolsClipboard Managers |
How fzf and Alfred Compare
fzf
A command-line fuzzy finder for quickly locating files, commands, and more.
Free · 85/100 score
Alfred
Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts
Free tier available · 90/100 score
fzf is a ide & code editors tool. Alfred is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
fzf is free. Alfred is freemium.
Go with: fzf
Want the highest-rated option?
fzf: 85/100. Alfred: 90/100.
Go with: Alfred
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Alfred
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
fzf is free. Alfred is freemium. Go with fzf if free matters most.
What's your use case?
fzf is a ide & code editors tool. Alfred is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Alfred scores higher: 90/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
Alfred
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
fzf
- Completely free
- Better fit for ide & code editors
The Bottom Line
Alfred (90/100) is our pick. That said, fzf is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fzf or Alfred better?
Alfred scores 90/100 in our evaluation. fzf is free and Alfred is freemium.
What are fzf and Alfred used for?
fzf: A command-line fuzzy finder for quickly locating files, commands, and more.. Alfred: Productivity app for Mac with custom workflows and shortcuts.
What does fzf cost vs Alfred?
fzf is completely free. Alfred is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.