17.9
FileManagerTUI is a free, open-source terminal file manager built with Rust and Ratatui.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows
Best File Managers in 2026
File managers help you browse, copy, move and organize files. This list covers tools that run across Linux, macOS, Windows, self-hosted setups, Android and API connections. Before choosing, check whether an Android app is available for your phone or tablet. Compare desktop platform support, dual-pane and preview layouts, remote file access, archive support, pricing and licence details.
27.8
Newt is a free, open-source file manager for macOS, Linux, and Windows, built around two panes for local and remote filesystems.
Free planOpen sourceLinuxmacOSWindows
37.8
nnn is a free, open-source terminal file manager designed to be small and require little configuration.
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOS
- 4
Rat Commander
Rat Commander is a free two-panel terminal file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.6Free plan - 5
TUIFIManager
TUIFIManager is a free, open-source file manager that runs in a terminal, with an orientation toward Termux users.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidLinuxmacOSWindows7.6Free plan - 6
far2l
far2l is a free Linux port of FAR Manager v2, with macOS also listed as supported.
Free planLinuxmacOS7.4Free plan - 7
RTFM
RTFM is a free terminal file manager written in pure Ruby for Linux and macOS.
Free planLinuxmacOS7.3Free plan - 8
pointer
pointer is a free, open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS, organized around a two-pane layout with adjustable pane widths and borders.
Free planLinuxmacOS7.3Free plan - 9
7.2Free plan - 10
Vifm
Vifm is a free, curses-based file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows, designed for vi users who want to manage filesystems with familiar keyboard commands.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.2Free plan - 11
Alfa
Alfa is an open accessibility testing engine for websites built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Free planWebAPILinuxmacOS7.2Free plan - 12
Clifm
Clifm is a free, open-source file manager for people who want to manage files by entering shell commands.
Free planAndroidLinuxmacOS7.1Free plan - 13
Zeta
Zeta is a free, open-source terminal file manager for developers, built in Rust and organized around two panes.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.0Free plan - 14
superfile
superfile is a free, open-source terminal file manager made with Go and Bubble Tea.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.0Free plan - 15
Broot
Broot is a free directory navigator for Linux, macOS, and Windows that helps users browse folders, find files, and launch commands.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.9Free plan - 16
Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander is a free, full-screen file manager that uses a visual, dual-pane text interface.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.9Free plan - 17
elio
elio is a free, open-source terminal file manager with panes for Places, Files, and Preview.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.8Free plan - 18
cfiles
cfiles is a free terminal file manager written in C, using ncurses and vim-like keybindings.
Free planLinuxmacOS6.7Free plan - 19
Joshuto
Joshuto is a free terminal file manager written in Rust for Linux and macOS.
Free planLinuxmacOS6.7Free plan - 206.7Free plan
- 21
FModel
FModel is free, open-source Windows software for inspecting and extracting content from games made with Unreal Engine.
Free planWindows6.7Free plan - 22
Far Manager
Far Manager is a Windows file and archive manager with a text-mode interface and a dual-pane layout.
Free planWindows6.4Free plan - 23
UnixTree
UnixTree is a console-mode file manager for Unix and Linux, modeled after DOS XTreeGold.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.4Free plan - 24
xplr
LinuxmacOS6.3 - 25
Termix
Termix is a free, open-source terminal file manager for navigating, searching, and managing files and directories on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3
Choosing well
Check platform support
If you need a phone or tablet app, confirm Android support before choosing. Desktop support can include Linux, macOS or Windows, while other tools run through self-hosted setups or an API.
Match the file manager to the systems where you store and manage files.
Choose a working layout
A dual-pane layout can make copying and moving files between folders clearer. A preview pane helps you inspect supported files without opening a separate app.
Check the comparison details for these options if they matter to your workflow.
Look for remote and archive tools
Remote file access can help when files live on another computer or service. Archive support matters if you regularly handle compressed packages.
Confirm that the tool supports the remote locations and archive formats you need.
Compare cost and licence
A free plan is available from items in this category. Check the paid-from details where a paid tier is listed, and read the licence when open-source code matters to you.
Pricing models and licence terms can differ, so review the listing before installing.
Questions people ask
Are these file managers available on Android?
Android support varies by tool. Check the platform details for an Android app before choosing one for a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone or tablet.
Which desktop systems are covered?
The category includes tools for Linux, macOS and Windows. Platform coverage differs by item, so check the comparison details.
Can file managers open archives?
Archive support is a comparison field for this category. Verify it for the tool and archive formats you need.
Do these tools support remote files?
Remote file access is compared for the listed tools. Check the item details to confirm support for your setup.
Are open-source options available?
Open-source code is offered by items in this category. Review the licence and project details before use.