A line-oriented search tool that recursively searches directories for regex patterns.
Visit WebsiteFreeVisit Website
Tracked since2026
0 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Fastest grep alternative
Biggest con
CLI only
TL;DR - ripgrep
- Recursively searches directories for regex patterns.
- Respects .gitignore and skips hidden/binary files by default.
- Significantly faster than similar search tools like grep and ack.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is ripgrep?
ripgrep is a powerful and fast command-line search tool designed for developers. It recursively searches directories for regular expression patterns, automatically respecting .gitignore rules and skipping hidden files, directories, and binary files by default. This makes it highly efficient for searching within codebases and project files.
The tool is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with pre-built binaries for easy installation. It's often compared to other popular search utilities like The Silver Searcher, ack, and grep, but frequently outperforms them in speed benchmarks, especially on large codebases. ripgrep is ideal for developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs to quickly find specific patterns within large sets of files, offering a significant productivity boost through its speed and intelligent filtering.
Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest grep alternative
- Rust-based
- Good defaults
- Git-aware
- Active development
Cons
- CLI only
- Learning curve
- Regex differences
- Not GNU grep
- Configuration needed
Key Features
Fast code searchRegex supportGitignore awareUnicode supportCompressed filesMulti-threading
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jul 1, 2026
Open Source
Free
- Full source code access
- The Unlicense license
- Community support
- Self-hosted
Reviews
$99Free with your review
Write a reviewReview ripgrep, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Best ripgrep Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
ripgrep FAQ
How does ripgrep enhance productivity for developers?
ripgrep significantly boosts developer productivity by quickly finding specific patterns within large sets of files. It achieves this by recursively searching directories for regular expression patterns, while automatically respecting .gitignore rules and skipping hidden or binary files.
Which teams would benefit most from using ripgrep?
Teams of developers and system administrators would benefit most from ripgrep. Its speed and intelligent filtering are ideal for anyone who needs to quickly locate specific patterns within extensive codebases and project files.
How is ripgrep priced?
ripgrep is free to use, with no paid plan required. It is an open-source command-line tool available for various operating systems.
What kind of limitations does ripgrep have?
ripgrep is a command-line interface (CLI) tool only, meaning it lacks a graphical user interface. Users may also experience a learning curve due to its reliance on regular expressions and the need for some initial configuration.
Can ripgrep be used across different operating systems?
Yes, ripgrep is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with pre-built binaries provided for straightforward installation. This allows users on various platforms to leverage its search capabilities.
How does ripgrep compare to exa in terms of functionality?
ripgrep is a line-oriented search tool focused on recursively finding regex patterns within files, often outperforming other search utilities in speed benchmarks. In contrast, exa is a modern replacement for the 'ls' command, primarily focused on listing directory contents with enhanced features.
Source: github.com