Free and open first
Best File managers in 2026
File managers are tools for working with files and folders across desktop, terminal, mobile, hosted, and API setups.
- 29 apps
- Research read 21 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Newt
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindowsNewt combines a two-pane file manager with remote connections, archive browsing, S3 access and streaming searches. It is free and open source, with keyboard, configurable binding and mouse controls.
- 2
FileManagerTUI
Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindowsFileManagerTUI brings file operations, previews, and editing into a keyboard-driven terminal interface. Keep in mind that its S3 mode cannot write, and source builds need Rust.
- 3
TUIFIManager
Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1Choose TUIFIManager if you want a free terminal file manager, particularly for Termux, and its keybindings cover your file tasks.
- 4
Rat Commander
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsRat Commander brings file management, editing, Git, archives, and remote access into a terminal-based, two-panel interface.
- 5
Yazi
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Yazi if you want a free, terminal-based file manager with tabs, task controls, search and file operations across the major desktop systems.
- 6
Vifm
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose Vifm if you use vi and want a keyboard-controlled file manager with flexible views and file operations. Look elsewhere if you want a non-curses interface or do not want vi-style controls.
- 7
Zeta
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsZeta combines dual-pane file management with remote access, editing, terminal and Git tools. Its documented platform coverage is Linux and Windows, despite macOS being listed among its platforms.
- 8
- 9
far2l
Free plan LinuxMacChoose far2l if you want a free FAR Manager v2 port for Linux or macOS and value its backend and plugin choices.
- 10
Broot
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBroot combines directory navigation, search, file operations, previews, and Git status views in a free tool for three desktop platforms.
- 11
elio
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1elio provides terminal-based navigation, previews, and file operations across several systems. It works without optional tools, though some preview and archive capabilities depend on them.
- 12
RTFM
Free plan LinuxMac - 13
pointer
Free plan LinuxMacPointer brings two-pane browsing, previews, archives, and remote access into a terminal file manager. It is limited to Linux and macOS, and source builds require Rust and Cargo.
- 14
superfile
Free plan LinuxMacWindowssuperfile offers core file management, previews, multiple panes, and customization in a free MIT-licensed terminal application.
- 15
Midnight Commander
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedMidnight Commander combines file management and built-in viewing and editing tools in a text interface, with remote access options.
- 16
Clifm
Free plan AndroidLinuxMacClifm provides a command-driven alternative with a broad set of file operations and shell conveniences. Its lack of a GUI or TUI makes it less suitable for users seeking visual navigation.
- 17
Runa
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsRuna brings keyboard-driven file actions, dual panes, previews, and customization to the terminal across three desktop operating systems.
- 18
Far Manager
Free plan WindowsFar Manager brings file operations, archive support, and plugin extensions into a configurable text-mode interface. Its listed platform is Windows.
- 19
- 20
Joshuto
Free plan LinuxMacJoshuto provides a configurable terminal file manager with previews and several file operations at no charge.
- 21
UnixTree
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose UnixTree if you want a free, keyboard-controlled console file manager with directory-tree operations and command extensions.
- 22
- 23
Middle Manager
by Middle ManagerFree plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedMiddle Manager combines orthodox file operations with search, Git, CI, editor, and Parquet tools in a terminal interface.
- 24
xplr
Free plan LinuxMacxplr combines terminal file browsing with extensive Lua-based customization, previews, and dual-pane options.
- 25
Termix
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsTermix provides broad file-management and preview functions in a terminal interface across three desktop platforms.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
Compare free-plan terms, paid-from pricing, platform support, and functions such as dual-pane layout, preview panes, remote file access, and archive support. If reading or changing code matters, check the open-source licence.
Questions
Do these file managers have free plans?
A free plan is offered by tools on this list. Check the pricing note and free-plan details for the tool you are considering.
Are open-source file managers included?
Yes. Open-source code is offered by tools on this list. Review the licence if code access or changes are important.
Which platforms are covered?
The list covers tools for Linux, macOS, Windows, self-hosted use, Android, and API access.
What features can I compare?
Compare dual-pane layout, preview pane, remote file access, archive support, Linux, macOS, and Windows support.
How should I compare prices?
Check the Free plan and Paid from fields, then read the pricing note for the tool you are considering.