GoSearch: how to use it, and a browser alternative
GoSearch started as a Go rewrite of the Sherlock idea and grew into a community project. It searches a username across a few hundred sites and adds breach lookups. Here is what it does, how to run it, and how it compares with a browser checker.
Username search (CLI, Go). Project: github.com/ibnaleem/gosearch · License: GPL-3.0 · Last reviewed 2026-10-17
What is GoSearch?
GoSearch is maintained by ibnaleem under GPL-3.0, and the repository was last pushed in October 2026. Its README says it searches 300+ websites (a badge shows 305). Because it is a compiled Go binary, it runs checks concurrently and is quick.
It marks uncertain results in yellow so you can spot possible false positives, and the README recommends the --no-false-positives flag to show only hits it is confident about. It also looks up common domain endings for the username.
GoSearch queries outside breach data services for credentials linked to a username, and one of those services needs your own API key. Treat that output with care: leaked passwords are sensitive data, and using them can be unlawful. Our tool does not do breach lookups.
How to use GoSearch
- Install Go, then install GoSearch with go install. On 32-bit systems the README points to a separate branch.
- Run gosearch -u with the username.
- Add --no-false-positives to hide uncertain results, as the README recommends.
- Open each reported profile and confirm it by hand.
Example commands from the project's README (check it for the current version):
go install github.com/ibnaleem/gosearch@latest
gosearch -u USERNAME
gosearch -u USERNAME --no-false-positivesGoSearch vs WhatsMyName Apps
| Feature | GoSearch | WhatsMyName Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Sites checked | 300+ websites per its README (October 2026) | 3,165+ sites, merged from the WhatsMyName, Sherlock and Maigret lists |
| Setup | go install; Go toolchain required | Nothing to install. It runs in the browser |
| Result states | Found, with uncertain hits marked separately | Four statuses: found, not found, blocked, unknown |
| Domain check | Common domain endings | .com, .net, .org, .io, .us, .app and .dev through public RDAP |
| Breach lookups | Yes, through outside services (one needs an API key) | No |
| Automation | CLI | No API and no CLI |
| Price | Free, open source | Free, no sign-up |
Based on GoSearch's own documentation as of 2026-10-17. Tools change; the project page is the final word.
Pros and cons of GoSearch
Pros
- Fast single binary written in Go.
- Flags uncertain hits instead of mixing them with confident ones.
- Domain checks built in.
- Open source and updated in October 2026.
Cons
- Needs a Go toolchain to install, and the README warns some antivirus tools flag the binary by mistake.
- Smaller site list than tools that merge several datasets.
- Breach lookups rely on outside services, one of which needs an API key.
Who GoSearch is for
GoSearch suits people who like fast compiled tools and want domain and breach checks next to the username search. If you just want to see where a handle is used without installing Go, a browser search is simpler.
Try a username search in your browser
Free, no sign-up. Checks 3,165+ sites; the username is not stored or logged.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use GoSearch online?
GoSearch is a command-line tool you install. For a browser username search, our tool checks 3,165+ sites without setup.
How do I install GoSearch?
Install Go, run go install github.com/ibnaleem/gosearch@latest, then gosearch -u followed by a username. The author warns against downloading it from anywhere other than the official repository.
Is GoSearch a Sherlock alternative?
Yes. Its README says it was inspired by Sherlock and written in Go to be faster and to flag possible false positives.
Does GoSearch need an API key?
Not for the username search. One of its optional breach lookups needs a key from that service.
Related tools and guides
- Sherlock: Username search (CLI)
- Maigret: Username search (CLI and web UI)
- Nexfil: Username search (CLI)
- Aliens Eye: Username search (CLI)
- All OSINT tools compared
- OSINT username search · Reverse username lookup · Platform username checkers
- Username OSINT for beginners
Names and trademarks belong to their owners. WhatsMyName Apps is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by GoSearch or its authors.