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Best Terminal File Managers in 2026
A terminal file manager gives you ways to navigate folders and handle files without leaving a command-line workflow. Compare archive support, dual-pane layout, preview pane, and remote file access, then check Linux, macOS, and Windows support for the systems you use. Free plan availability and paid-from pricing can help you weigh access and cost. FileManagerTUI, Newt, and Rat Commander are among the names to consider, alongside Broot and pointer. Which capabilities matter most may depend on whether you work with archives, need to view files before opening them, or move between local and remote locations.
- 29 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 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
- 5
Broot
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsBroot combines directory navigation, search, file operations, previews, and Git status views in a free tool for three desktop platforms.
- 6
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.
- 7
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.
- 8
- 9
Deepfence SecretScanner
Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedChoose SecretScanner if you need a free, open-source way to scan container images or host directories for possible secrets and inspect the findings in JSON. It may also fit teams using ThreatMapper.
- 10
- 11
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.
- 12
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.
- 13
Dynamic File Manager
Free plan Linuxdfm offers a focused terminal-based file management workflow with configurable handlers and filters. Archive browsing and building require additional tools or dependencies.
- 14
Joshuto
Free plan LinuxMacJoshuto provides a configurable terminal file manager with previews and several file operations at no charge.
- 15
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.
- 16
FModel
Free plan WindowsFModel offers broad archive inspection and export tools for Unreal Engine game content at no listed cost.
- 17
Rat Commander
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsRat Commander brings file management, editing, Git, archives, and remote access into a terminal-based, two-panel interface.
- 18
Runa
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsRuna brings keyboard-driven file actions, dual panes, previews, and customization to the terminal across three desktop operating systems.
- 19
superfile
Free plan LinuxMacWindowssuperfile offers core file management, previews, multiple panes, and customization in a free MIT-licensed terminal application.
- 20
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.
- 21
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.
- 22
RTFM
Free plan LinuxMac - 23
UnixTree
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsChoose UnixTree if you want a free, keyboard-controlled console file manager with directory-tree operations and command extensions.
- 24
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.
- 25
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.
#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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