Skip to content

Google Desktop vs Reflector

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

Google Desktop icon
Google Desktop
Reflector icon
Reflector

Google Desktop vs Reflector: 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.

Reflector: Reflector is a .NET decompiler that allows developers to inspect .NET assemblies and view the source code behind the compiled code. It supports decompiling code written in C#, Visual Basic .NET, F#, Delphi Prism, and more.

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 Reflector
Sugggest Score — —
Category Os & Utilities Development

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

Reflector
Reflector

Description: Reflector is a .NET decompiler that allows developers to inspect .NET assemblies and view the source code behind the compiled code. It supports decompiling code written in C#, Visual Basic .NET, F#, Delphi Prism, and more.

Type: software

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
Reflector
Reflector Features
  • Decompiles .NET assemblies into C# and Visual Basic .NET source code
  • Supports decompiling code written in C#, Visual Basic .NET, F#, Delphi Prism and more
  • Allows inspection of .NET assemblies
  • Provides class, method and property level reflection
  • Integrates with Visual Studio
  • Supports .NET Framework versions 1.0 - 4.5

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
Reflector
Reflector

Pros

  • Recovers source code from compiled assemblies
  • Helps understand and learn from existing .NET code
  • Enables code inspection and analysis
  • Saves time rewriting code from scratch
  • Integrates into developer workflow and tools

Cons

  • Decompiled code may not fully match original source
  • Limited to .NET languages and frameworks
  • Advanced obfuscation can make code difficult to decompile
  • Requires some knowledge of .NET to understand decompiled code
  • Does not decompile native code or unmanaged assemblies

Related Comparisons

Copernic Desktop Search
vs Google Desktop vs Reflector

Learn More About Each Product

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

Ready to Make Your Decision?

Explore more software comparisons and find the perfect solution for your needs

Google Desktop Alternatives
Reflector Alternatives
Browse More Software