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Best File managers in 2026

  1. 1

    Newt

    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

    Newt 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.

    9.2 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    FileManagerTUI

    Free plan Open source LinuxMacWindows

    FileManagerTUI 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.

    9.1 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    TUIFIManager

    Free plan Open source AndroidLinuxMac+1

    Choose TUIFIManager if you want a free terminal file manager, particularly for Termux, and its keybindings cover your file tasks.

    8.6 Open source Visit site
  4. 4

    Rat Commander

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Rat Commander brings file management, editing, Git, archives, and remote access into a terminal-based, two-panel interface.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    Yazi

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose Yazi if you want a free, terminal-based file manager with tabs, task controls, search and file operations across the major desktop systems.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    Vifm

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose 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.

    7.4 Free plan Visit site
  7. 7

    Zeta

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Zeta 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.

    7.4 Open source Visit site
  8. 8

    nnn

    by nnn
    Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+1

    nnn offers a broad set of file operations and navigation features in a terminal-based tool with minimal configuration.

    7.4 Open source Visit site
  9. 9

    far2l

    Free plan LinuxMac

    Choose far2l if you want a free FAR Manager v2 port for Linux or macOS and value its backend and plugin choices.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    Broot

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Broot combines directory navigation, search, file operations, previews, and Git status views in a free tool for three desktop platforms.

    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  11. 11

    elio

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

    elio 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.

    7.3 Open source Visit site
  12. 12

    RTFM

    Free plan LinuxMac
    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    pointer

    Free plan LinuxMac

    Pointer 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.

    7.2 Open source Visit site
  14. 14

    superfile

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    superfile offers core file management, previews, multiple panes, and customization in a free MIT-licensed terminal application.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    Midnight Commander

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted

    Midnight Commander combines file management and built-in viewing and editing tools in a text interface, with remote access options.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    Clifm

    Free plan AndroidLinuxMac

    Clifm 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.

    7.2 Open source Visit site
  17. 17

    Runa

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Runa brings keyboard-driven file actions, dual panes, previews, and customization to the terminal across three desktop operating systems.

    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  18. 18

    Far Manager

    Free plan Windows

    Far Manager brings file operations, archive support, and plugin extensions into a configurable text-mode interface. Its listed platform is Windows.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    cfiles

    by cfiles
    Free plan LinuxMac

    Choose cfiles if you want a free, terminal-based file manager with vim-like controls and can install its preview and search dependencies.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  20. 20

    Joshuto

    Free plan LinuxMac

    Joshuto provides a configurable terminal file manager with previews and several file operations at no charge.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  21. 21

    UnixTree

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Choose UnixTree if you want a free, keyboard-controlled console file manager with directory-tree operations and command extensions.

    6.9 Open source Visit site
  22. 22

    Alfa

    by Alfa
    Free plan APILinuxMac+3

    Alfa offers rule-based accessibility checks, structured reports, and a range of developer integrations.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  23. 23

    Middle Manager

    by Middle Manager
    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted

    Middle Manager combines orthodox file operations with search, Git, CI, editor, and Parquet tools in a terminal interface.

    6.7 Open source Visit site
  24. 24

    xplr

    Free plan LinuxMac

    xplr combines terminal file browsing with extensive Lua-based customization, previews, and dual-pane options.

    6.6 Free plan Visit site
  25. 25

    Termix

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Termix provides broad file-management and preview functions in a terminal interface across three desktop platforms.

    6.6 Open source Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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