However, this app can be counterintuitive to basic searches, for which filters are seldom needed. The best alternative is Everything, which is free.
There are more than 25 alternatives to HoudahSpot for a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD and Spotlight.
HoudahSpot for Mac proves to be a potent search tool that allows you to filter many search results fairly quickly. HoudahSpot is described as 'Advanced File Search Utility for Mac OS X' and is a File Search utility in the file management category. Search parameters can be contradictory: If you're not paying attention to all the search parameters you choose, you might end up with conflicting filters. There are too many options that can easily confuse a beginner. Not for beginners: As an advanced search tool, it might not appeal to beginners. Not for simple searches: Simple searches can be done more easily with Spotlight. Interface full of options: Integrating with Spotlight to help you find files on your computer, it features an interface that looks like Finder, except for the sidebar full of filters and options. Include and exclude locations: The search can be limited to a certain location on the computer, or it can be specific to certain folders on user-mounted volumes or Spotlight indexed pages. It can also do a fuzzy search using the parameters you enter. ProsĬomprehensive search: HoudahSpot for Mac supports multiple search options, such as grouping the searches or using user-defined groups, and can search file attributes and the content of text files.
It's a capable app but not necessarily easy to use. An advanced search utility, HoudahSpot for Mac offers plenty of search filters and features, which enable you to do more thorough searches.