bemenu

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.0 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Minimal X11 or Wayland menus
• Paid from
  Free
• Supported platforms
  Cross-platform
• Facts checked
  19 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Interactive filtering, item selection and multi-selection
  • Launches programs through bemenu-run
  • Offers curses, X11 and Wayland backends

• Where it doesn't

  • Its documented launch focus is menu items and programs, not file search
  • Does not include workflow support
  • Does not include plugin support

Our verdict on bemenu

For people who want a keyboard-driven way to filter menu items or launch programs, bemenu is an open-source menu library and client program. It is inspired by dmenu and is intended as a lightweight launcher or menu interface, rather than a hosted productivity application. Its interactive filtering and selection provide the core experience, while bemenu-run handles program launching. That makes it a focused option for users who want to work with selectable entries and programs through a menu.

The choice of backend is a notable part of bemenu’s scope: it provides curses, X11 and Wayland backends. The project can be built on Linux and macOS, with platform-specific dependencies and installation instructions documented in its repository. Multi-selection adds flexibility when a menu needs to return more than one item. Keyboard bindings are configurable, including Vim bindings, and environment variables can be used for configuration. These features suit users who prefer to tailor a compact launcher to their existing keyboard habits and environment.

Bemenu is open source, with no official paid plans described. Its documented strengths are concentrated in interactive menus and launching programs; it is not positioned around general local-file search, workflow support or a plugin framework. That distinction matters for buyers comparing launchers: choose bemenu when backend choice, configurable keyboard input and a minimal menu are the priorities. Look elsewhere if the central need is finding files or building workflows inside the launcher. Its appeal is the directness of that narrower role, rather than breadth across launcher features.

Your product? Our editors can test bemenu in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

bemenu pricing

bemenu fact sheet

Alternatives to bemenu

• RaycastRaycast combines app and file search with commands, extensions, and optional AI.9.4
• WoxWox combines app launching, search, commands, plugins, and cloud sync in an open-source launcher.9.2
• AlfredA capable Mac launcher whose Powerpack adds automation and productivity tools.8.9

See all bemenu alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update