The Best Files Alternatives: Find Your Perfect File Manager
Files, also known as Nautilus, is the default file manager for the Gnome desktop environment, designed to offer a simple and intuitive way to navigate and manage your files. While it excels in its integration with the Gnome ecosystem, many users seek a Files alternative for various reasons, including advanced features, cross-platform compatibility, or a different user interface. This article explores some of the top contenders that can enhance your file management experience.
Top Files Alternatives
Whether you're looking for more robust features, a different aesthetic, or simply exploring options beyond the Gnome environment, these file managers offer excellent alternatives to Files.
FileZilla
FileZilla is a powerful FTP client, making it an excellent Files alternative for users who frequently deal with file transfers to and from servers. It's available across multiple platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, BSD, and is open-source. Key features include ad-free usage, dedicated server hosting support, file transfer capabilities, and support for SFTP.
Double Commander
Inspired by Total Commander, Double Commander offers a two-panel interface for efficient navigation, making it a strong Files alternative for power users. It's free and open-source, available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. Notable features include dual pane support, cross-platform compatibility, multi-tabs, batch renaming, a built-in SSH client, and an integrated FTP client.
Total Commander
Total Commander is a highly popular shareware Orthodox File Manager (OFM) for Windows, standing out as a robust Files alternative. It boasts a built-in FTP client, file comparison tools, archive file navigation, and is portable. It's also available on Windows Mobile and Android, featuring dual pane support, batch rename files, and a customizable interface.
Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander is a visual, text-mode file manager that excels in consoles, over SSH, and via remote shells, offering a unique Files alternative for command-line enthusiasts. It's free and open-source, supported on Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD. Features include console-based operation, FTP/SFTP support, dual pane interface, and lightweight design.
Dolphin File Manager
Dolphin is the default file manager for KDE, focusing on usability with icon, detail, and split-screen view modes. As a free and open-source Linux-based Files alternative, it integrates seamlessly with KDE Plasma. Key features include an integrated terminal emulator, file preview, thumbnail support, and robust file management capabilities.
File Explorer
File Explorer, formerly Windows Explorer, is the built-in file manager for Microsoft Windows. It's a free and widely used Files alternative for Windows users, offering essential features like file management, searching, storage, and a new tabbed interface. It's bundled directly with the Windows operating system.
Thunar
Thunar is a modern, fast, and easy-to-use file manager specifically designed for the Xfce Desktop Environment. It serves as an excellent open-source Files alternative for Linux users, also available on Mac. Thunar features include support for keyboard shortcuts, batch renaming, and efficient file management.
Far Manager
Far Manager is a free and open-source program for managing files and archives in Windows, operating in text mode with a dual-pane interface. This makes it a unique Files alternative for those who prefer a command-line interface with visual cues. It's extensible via plugins and supports keyboard shortcuts for efficient operation.
Nemo
Nemo is the official file manager for the Linux Mint operating system running the Cinnamon desktop. It's a free and open-source Files alternative for Linux users, offering a customizable interface and a tree view for navigation. Nemo focuses on providing a familiar and user-friendly experience.
Forklift
ForkLift is a powerful commercial file manager exclusively for Mac, designed for speed and efficiency. It serves as a premium Files alternative for Mac users, offering robust features like FTP/SFTP server connections, Amazon S3 account management, and mobile device support. Other features include dual pane support, directory sync, and integrated file sharing.
With a wide array of options available, from powerful FTP clients to minimalist text-mode managers and feature-rich graphical interfaces, you're sure to find a Files alternative that perfectly suits your workflow and operating system. Explore these options and discover the best fit for your file management needs.