Head-to-head · Desktop Search Software
Recoll vs FileLocator Pro
Recoll leads on 1 check, FileLocator Pro on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRecoll · 7.8/10
- Free planonly Recoll
- Free trialonly FileLocator Pro
Recoll scores higher on our rubric for desktop search software: 7.8 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #14.
Recoll offers free plan; FileLocator Pro doesn't.
Recoll is the better fit for free, cross-platform full-text desktop search. FileLocator Pro is the better fit for windows professionals needing indexed and live search.
- Recoll fits best
Free, cross-platform full-text desktop search
- FileLocator Pro fits best
Windows professionals needing indexed and live search
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Side by side
| Feature | Recoll 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | FileLocator Pro 7.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.5 |
| Ranking | #11 in Desktop Search Software | #14 in Desktop Search Software |
| Best for | Free, cross-platform full-text desktop search | Windows professionals needing indexed and live search |
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | $79/user one-time |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | — |
| Free trial | — | 30 days |
| Deployment | Desktop, Browser extension | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 4 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Recoll 3/4 · FileLocator Pro 3/4 | ||
| Content search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Email search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Message search | Not checked yet | — |
| OCR search | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | web, Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows |
| Index locations | local filesystem, removable volumes, shared or otherwise computer-accessible storage | local, network |
| Indexed-item limit | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Recoll is an open-source desktop search application for people who need to find information inside files, email and archives rather than search filenames alone. It runs on Linux, Windows and macOS, with a WebUI plus graphical, command-line… Read the review → |
FileLocator Pro is a Windows desktop search tool from Mythicsoft Ltd for professionals who need to locate information across local and network files. It searches both file names and contents, including PDF, Office documents, text files,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Recoll — where it wins
- Searches file names, contents, email, attachments and archives
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, WebUI and multiple interfaces
- Indexes removable volumes with optional OCR for PDFs and images
Where it doesn't
- OCR requires supported external software and configuration
- The Windows binary download requests a contribution
- The breadth of options may require more setup than simpler search tools
FileLocator Pro — where it wins
- Searches indexed and non-indexed local or network content
- Covers email, archives, OCR, previews, reports, and exports
- Offers shareable indexes plus command-line, .NET, and COM integration
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform limits cross-platform use
- No free plan; the 30-day trial precedes paid licensing
- Technician and floating licenses cost more than the Standard License
- Recoll7.8/10 · Free plan
A broad, free and open-source search tool for local files, email and archives.
Visit RecollFull verdict → - FileLocator Pro7.5/10 · 30-day trial
A deep Windows search tool with perpetual licensing and broad file-format coverage.
Try FileLocator ProFull verdict →
All desktop search software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update