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Google Desktop vs OpenAsar

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

Google Desktop icon
Google Desktop
OpenAsar icon
OpenAsar

Google Desktop vs OpenAsar: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Google Desktop: Google Desktop was a desktop search application created by Google that allowed users to search the content of their computers. It indexed emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs, and web pages viewed on the computer.

OpenAsar: OpenAsar is an open-source replacement for the proprietary ASAR archive format used by Electron apps. It allows developers to inspect, modify, and repackage Electron app content more easily.

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 Google Desktop OpenAsar
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Development
Pricing — Open Source

Product Overview

Google Desktop
Google Desktop

Description: Google Desktop was a desktop search application created by Google that allowed users to search the content of their computers. It indexed emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs, and web pages viewed on the computer.

Type: software

OpenAsar
OpenAsar

Description: OpenAsar is an open-source replacement for the proprietary ASAR archive format used by Electron apps. It allows developers to inspect, modify, and repackage Electron app content more easily.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

Google Desktop
Google Desktop Features
  • Desktop search
  • Indexing of emails, documents, music, photos, chat logs and web pages
  • Quick searching across local files
  • Integrated with Google web search
  • Toolbar for quick access
  • Email notification on new results
OpenAsar
OpenAsar Features
  • Unpacks and repacks ASAR files
  • Inspects and modifies app content
  • Open source and cross-platform
  • Command line interface
  • JavaScript API

Pros & Cons Analysis

Google Desktop
Google Desktop

Pros

  • Powerful and fast search capabilities
  • Indexed a wide variety of file types
  • Convenient access from toolbar
  • Seamless integration with Google web search

Cons

  • Resource intensive
  • Privacy concerns around Google indexing local data
  • Limited customization options
  • Discontinued in 2011 with some features moved to Google Drive
OpenAsar
OpenAsar

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Allows modifying Electron apps
  • Better than proprietary ASAR format
  • Active development and support

Cons

  • Less widely used than ASAR format
  • Requires learning new tool
  • Less support from Electron compared to ASAR
  • Potential compatibility issues

Pricing Comparison

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
  • Not listed
OpenAsar
OpenAsar
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Google Desktop
Google Desktop
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
OpenAsar
OpenAsar
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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