Everything vs Listary
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Everything is a Windows desktop utility from voidtools that indexes file and folder names across NTFS and ReFS volumes to deliver search results in real time, often before you finish typing. Instead of scanning the disk on demand like Windows Explorer's built-in search, it reads the NTFS Master File Table (or ReFS equivalent) once to build a compact index, then uses the USN/Change Journal to keep that index updated live as files are created, renamed, or deleted.
Listary is a Windows utility that combines instant file search with an application launcher, letting users search an entire drive or launch a program just by typing a few characters. Results are ranked using fuzzy matching and the user's own habits, so frequently used files and apps surface faster over time. It also integrates with native Windows Open/Save dialogs through a Quick Switch feature for faster in-app file navigation, and supports filtering by file type or date, direct file actions like copy or copy-path, and searching across network and cloud drives. The base app is free, with a Pro upgrade unlocking commercial use and extra features.
- Index builds in seconds and search results appear instantly as you type, even across drives with hundreds of thousands of files
- Completely free with no malware, spyware, or adware bundled
- Very low memory and disk footprint compared to typical desktop search indexers
- Powerful query syntax (regex, boolean logic, size/date/type filters) suits power users and scripting via the SDK
- Fully usable for free with a low-cost one-time Pro upgrade rather than a subscription
- Very fast search performance across large local drives
- Quick Switch meaningfully speeds up native Open/Save dialog navigation
- Lightweight and simple to learn compared to more complex launcher/automation tools
- Windows-only; there is no native macOS or Linux version
- By default it indexes file and folder names, not file contents, so contents searches are slow since content is not pre-indexed
- NTFS/ReFS real-time indexing requires the Everything service or running as administrator, which some locked-down environments restrict
- Windows-only, no Mac or Linux version
- Free version is restricted to personal, non-commercial use
- Interface and feature set are more utilitarian than visually polished modern launchers
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Everything
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Scan an entire Windows drive in seconds and see exactly what is eating your disk space.
A free, open-source quick launcher and search bar for Windows, triggered with a hotkey.
Alternatives to Listary
View all →A free, open-source quick launcher and search bar for Windows, triggered with a hotkey.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataEverything offers instant, free, file‑name search with powerful query syntax, while Listary adds fuzzy matching, app launching, and dialog integration for a modest paid upgrade.
Key differences
- •Everything indexes via NTFS/ReFS USN journal for real‑time name search; Listary uses its own indexed search with fuzzy matching.
- •Listary replaces Open/Save dialogs and provides app‑launch capabilities; Everything is purely a search tool.
- •Everything is completely free; Listary is freemium with a one‑time Pro purchase for full features.
- •Listary offers built‑in ranking based on user habits and network/cloud drive support; Everything focuses on local name indexing only.
- •Support differs: Everything relies on community forums and documentation; Listary provides direct email support.
Pricing & value
Everything is fully free, whereas Listary requires a paid Pro upgrade for full functionality.
Ease of use / learning curve
Listary’s Quick Switch and fuzzy matching are more intuitive for casual users than Everything’s advanced query syntax.
Features & depth
Listary adds app launching, dialog replacement, and habit‑based ranking; Everything offers only file‑name search with advanced filters.
Integrations & ecosystem
Listary integrates with native Windows Open/Save dialogs and network/cloud drives; Everything has no such integrations.
Support
Listary provides direct email support; Everything relies on community forums and self‑service documentation.
Security & privacy
Both are Windows‑only, closed source, and have no stated malware or spyware; no differences specified.
Scalability
Everything’s lightweight service uses ~35 MB RAM and indexes via USN journal, scaling well on large local drives.
Choose Everything if…
Power users needing fast, free, pure file‑name search with scripting and no need for dialog replacement.
Choose Listary if…
Users who want fuzzy search, app launching, and integrated Open/Save dialog acceleration, and are willing to pay for Pro features.
Common questions
Is there any cost to use Everything versus Listary?
Everything is completely free; Listary is freemium and requires a one‑time payment for full Pro features.
Can either tool search file contents?
Both primarily index file and folder names; content search is not a core feature for either.
Do they work on macOS or Linux?
Both are Windows‑only; no native macOS or Linux versions are specified.