Alfred vs. Spotlight 2025: Is Alfred Better than Spotlight?

For productivity tools on macOS, two names stand out: Alfred and Spotlight.

Spotlight is a built-in Mac tool that offers fast access to files, apps, or other system functionalities through a straightforward search interface. Alfred, on the other hand, is known for its advanced searching capability, customization options, and automated workflows.

You can use these tools to enhance the system user experience and efficiency on your Mac. However, they perform differently on different versions of macOS. In this post, we will review the difference between Spotlight and Alfred across different macOS versions. After comparing them, you will know which one you are better suited for.

Alfred vs. Spotlight: Performance and Speed

macOS Tahoe

Spotlight: The Spotlight performance in macOS Tahoe has been improved, although it may not be as fast as Alfred sometimes.

Alfred: Alfred has a cutting-edge indexing and search mechanism with instant access to applications and files

Comparison: Overall, Alfred is quicker and more efficient than Spotlight in macOS Tahoe.

macOS Sequoia

Spotlight: It’s good for general users, but it could be slower and less responsive than Alfred.

Alfred: Many users think highly of Alfred’s speed and efficiency. Especially, it’s ideal for users who need instant access to applications and files.

Comparison: Alfred is faster and more efficient than Spotlight in macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sonoma

Spotlight: Spotlight in macOS Sonoma is quick enough for simple searches, but might not be as good as Alfred’s optimized searching algorithms and quick response.

Alfred: Alfred's speed and performance continue to be a significant advantage over Spotlight in macOS Sonoma.

Comparison: Alfred remains the faster and better option on macOS Sonoma.

Alfred vs. Spotlight: Search Capabilities

macOS Tahoe

Spotlight: macOS Tahoe’s Spotlight is greatly improved and can handle more than simply opening apps and files. It can run different kinds of actions, from playing music, writing notes to sending messages. It also has a window where you can navigate through the local storage and cloud storage with filtering capabilities. Nevertheless, some users think that it’s still less functional than Alfred.

Alfred: Alfred can provide faster and more accurate search results due to its advanced algorithms. You can search for files, apps, and within common search engines. By learning about your activity it can provide relevant results.

Comparison: Although you can see improvement in Spotlight for macOS Tahoe, Alfred still offers superior search capabilities and customization options.

macOS Sequoia

Spotlight: Spotlight in macOS Sequoia enables you to process basic searches. It allows you to quickly find and launch apps. However, it doesn’t have advanced features, such as customization.

Alfred: Alfred is also good at finding things on macOS Sequoia, but it gets results faster and more accurately. Also, it enables you to customise a lot and make complicated workflows.

Comparison: Alfred is more powerful and flexible than Spotlight in macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sonoma

Spotlight: Similar to macOS Sequoia, Spotlight on macOS Sonoma offers a basic search feature. It’s adequate for casual work but lacks the added features and customizability of Alfred.

Alfred: Alfred continues to outperform Spotlight in terms of search speed and accuracy. Also, it adds features, such as custom web searching and workflows.

Comparison: If you’re seeking more advanced searching and customization features, you should choose Alfred on macOS Sonoma.

Alfred vs. Spotlight: Customization and Extensibility

macOS Tahoe

Spotlight: Spotlight introduces some new features in macOS Tahoe. It improves phone integration and message sending. However, compared with Alfred, it still lacks options to customize.

Alfred: Alfred offers a wide range of possibilities for customization. For example, it allows you to create complex workflows, snippets, and clipboard history. The Powerpack makes it even more extensible.

Comparison: Alfred is more customizable and extensible than Spotlight in macOS Tahoe.

macOS Sequoia

Spotlight: In macOS Sequoia, it’s limited to using some basic Spotlight customization options. This may include choosing which file types to include in searches.

Alfred: Alfred allows you to customize the display and behavior of the search interface. You can also create workflows and enjoy the integrated third-party apps and services.

Comparison: It’s better to use Alfred if you like extensive customization and extensibility.

macOS Sonoma

Highlight: In macOS Sonoma, Spotlight still lacks customization. It fails to create workflows or connect with third-party services.

Alfred: Alfred's extensibility and higher level of customization remain the primary advantage over Spotlight in macOS Sonoma. There are several ways users can customize Alfred to suit their individual needs and workflows.

Comparison: Alfred is the winner when it comes to extensibility and customization on macOS Sonoma.

Alfred vs. Spotlight: Additional Features

macOS Tahoe

Spotlight: Spotlight in macOS Tahoe has gained new features like phone integration and the ability to run shortcuts and send messages. These are limited features compared to the wide range of functionality in Alfred.

Alfred: Alfred offers a large amount of additional functionality that includes advanced clipboard management, snippets, file buffers, music control, and managing system functions like shutdown and reboot.

Comparison: Alfred provides more advanced and diverse features than Spotlight in macOS Tahoe.

macOS Sequoia

Spotlight: In macOS Sequoia, Spotlight has basic capabilities such as file and application searching and some integration within Apple's environment.

Alfred: Alfred’s additional features, such as custom web searches, workflows, and system command shortcuts, make it a more handy utility than Spotlight.

Comparison: Alfred’s higher-order features and integrations put it ahead of Spotlight in macOS Sequoia.

macOS Sonoma

Spotlight: In macOS Sonoma, Spotlight still offers basic features, while it lacks the advanced tools and integrations that Alfred provides.

Alfred: Alfred is powerful enough to provide additional features and integrations with other apps.

Comparison: Alfred is better for you if you’re seeking advanced features like integrations on macOS Sonoma.

Is Alfred Better than Spotlight Search?

Upon comparing Spotlight and Alfred on various macOS platforms, it’s obvious that Alfred still trumps Spotlight. The faster and accurate results might be because of the advanced indexing and searching algorithms of Alfred. Although you can find some improvements in macOS Tahoe, Alfred still outperforms Spotlight when it comes to customization, app integration, and other advanced features across all the macOS systems mentioned above.

Related Article: [2025] Top 4 macOS Spotlight Alternatives Worth Trying

Bonus Tip: How to Reindex Spotlight on Mac?

It’s disappointing to find the search results incomplete, outdated, or missing when you’re using Spotlight. This may occur if you’ve made big changes to your system. For example, this can happen when you’ve installed new software, moved a large amount of data, or added new storage devices or partitions. If you find problems with Spotlight, you can try to rebuild the Spotlight index.

To reindex Spotlight on your Mac, you can use BuhoCleaner, an easy-to-use Mac cleaning and optimization tool. After reindexing Spotlight, you’ll refresh and update the Spotlight database. This ensures that your searches are accurate and comprehensive.

Conclulsion

In conclusion, both Alfred and Spotlight can help macOS users access apps, files, and system settings. Spotlight excels in integration with the macOS system, making it ideal for users who prioritize simplicity. On the other hand, Alfred excels in customization. Additionally, it has developed several excellent features, including workflows, clipboard history, and app integration. If you want to enjoy a more customized and flexible experience on Mac, you can try Alfred. Additionally, if you have problems with Spotlight search, you can reindex Spotlight with BuhoCleaner.