Recoll

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.8 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Free, cross-platform full-text desktop search
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Content search
  Yes
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• 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

Our verdict on Recoll

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 and Python interfaces. Search can cover local filesystems, removable volumes, shared storage and other computer-accessible locations, making it a fit for individuals and technical teams managing varied document collections.

Its strongest capability is indexing depth. Recoll can search file contents and names across multiple document formats, email and email attachments, archive members including nested documents, and optionally text recognized through OCR in PDFs and images. Periodic and real-time indexing support different workflows, while configurable start directories and multiple indexes provide control over what gets included. Integrations with GNOME Shell Search Provider, KDE KIO worker, Krunner, Firefox and the Python API extend its reach across desktop and development environments.

Recoll has no paid tier: the project is open source and free on Linux, while the Windows binary download requests a small contribution. OCR depends on supported external OCR software and additional configuration, so image-heavy collections require more preparation. Users who want broad format coverage, email search, removable-volume indexing and interface flexibility should consider Recoll. Those who prefer a tightly guided setup or a search tool with no external OCR configuration may be better served by a simpler desktop search utility.

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

Recoll pricing

Recoll fact sheet

Recoll integrations

Recoll lists 5 integrations on its own site.

• GNOME Shell Search Provider
• KDE KIO worker
• Krunner
• Firefox extension
• Python API

Alternatives to Recoll

• EverythingA free Windows search utility for instant filename and path discovery.9.3
• Copernic Desktop SearchA Windows search tool for broad local, network, email, and cloud indexing.9.2
• DocFetcherA free, portable full-text search tool for local files, archives, and PST email.9.0

See all Recoll alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Recoll is listed in our Desktop Search Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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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