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gDesklets vs Open Sidebar

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

gDesklets icon
gDesklets
Open Sidebar icon
Open Sidebar

gDesklets vs Open Sidebar: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

gDesklets: gDesklets is an open source desktop widget engine for Linux systems such as Ubuntu and Fedora. It allows users to add mini applications like clocks, system monitors, note pads, photo frames, and more to their desktop.

Open Sidebar: Open Sidebar is a free, open source sidebar replacement for Windows that provides quick access to files, apps, tools and information. It aims to improve productivity by organizing items in an easy to access sidebar.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature gDesklets Open Sidebar
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source Free

Product Overview

gDesklets
gDesklets

Description: gDesklets is an open source desktop widget engine for Linux systems such as Ubuntu and Fedora. It allows users to add mini applications like clocks, system monitors, note pads, photo frames, and more to their desktop.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Open Sidebar
Open Sidebar

Description: Open Sidebar is a free, open source sidebar replacement for Windows that provides quick access to files, apps, tools and information. It aims to improve productivity by organizing items in an easy to access sidebar.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Key Features Comparison

gDesklets
gDesklets Features
  • Desktop widgets for Linux systems
  • Clocks, system monitors, note pads, photo frames
  • Customizable widgets
  • Supports multiple widget layouts
  • Widgets provide system info and tools
Open Sidebar
Open Sidebar Features
  • Quick access sidebar
  • Customizable shortcuts
  • Search bar
  • Notes section
  • To-do list
  • World clock
  • System monitors
  • Web search
  • Media controls
  • Clipboard history
  • File explorer
  • App launcher
  • Web bookmarks

Pros & Cons Analysis

gDesklets
gDesklets

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Very customizable and extensible
  • Large library of widgets
  • Lightweight and low resource usage
  • Works nicely on Ubuntu, Fedora and other Linux distros

Cons

  • Development has stalled, lacking updates
  • Not many recent widgets available
  • Some widgets no longer maintained
  • Less features than more modern options
  • Requires technical know-how to create widgets
Open Sidebar
Open Sidebar

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Lightweight
  • Highly customizable
  • Improves productivity
  • Organizes frequently used items
  • Looks modern and clean

Cons

  • Limited native features (relies on plugins)
  • Development seems inactive
  • Some stability issues reported
  • Lacks native calendar and email
  • No mobile app

Pricing Comparison

gDesklets
gDesklets
  • Open Source
Open Sidebar
Open Sidebar
  • Free

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Learn More About Each Product

gDesklets
gDesklets
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Open Sidebar
Open Sidebar
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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