Top Marlin Alternatives: Discover Your Next File Manager
Marlin, with its slick GTK3 interface and innovative "Miller columns" view, offers a unique take on file management for Linux users. Its features like tabbed browsing, multiple views, and Dropbox integration have made it a popular choice for many. However, user needs evolve, and sometimes, a different set of features, platform compatibility, or even an open-source preference might lead you to seek a new file manager. This article explores the best Marlin alternative options available today, helping you find the perfect fit for your workflow.
Top Marlin Alternatives
If you're looking for a file manager that offers more robust features, different UI paradigms, or broader platform support than Marlin, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of excellent alternatives, each with its own strengths and unique offerings.
Double Commander
Double Commander is a fantastic open-source Marlin alternative inspired by Total Commander, offering a two-panel interface for efficient navigation and file management. Available for Mac, Windows, Linux, and BSD, it boasts features like dual pane support, cross-platform compatibility, multi-tabs, TC plugin support, batch renaming, a built-in SSH client, and file synchronization, making it a powerful and versatile choice for users seeking advanced control.
Total Commander
Total Commander is a long-standing shareware Orthodox File Manager for Windows, Windows Mobile, and Android. As a robust Marlin alternative, it includes a built-in FTP client, file comparison, archive file navigation, and features like batch renaming, a built-in player, extensive customizability, directory sync, and quick search capabilities, making it a feature-rich solution for power users.
FreeCommander
FreeCommander is a Freemium alternative Windows file manager that provides advanced features similar to Total Commander. It's a great Marlin alternative for Windows users, offering batch rename files, a built-in viewer, folder comparison, directory sync, drag-and-drop functionality, dual pane support, and a portable version for on-the-go use.
Files
Files (Nautilus) is the default file manager for the Gnome desktop environment, known for its simplicity and ease of use. As a free and open-source Marlin alternative for Mac and Linux, it focuses on intuitive file navigation and management, with extensibility through plugins and FTP support.
Dolphin File Manager
Dolphin is the file manager for KDE, emphasizing usability and featuring multiple view modes including icon and detail. This free and open-source Marlin alternative for Linux and KDE offers file preview, tabs, split-screen view, an integrated terminal emulator, dual pane support, and lightweight performance, making it highly efficient for KDE users.
XYplorer
XYplorer is a commercial file manager for Windows, packed with features like tabbed browsing, a powerful file search, versatile preview, and a highly customizable interface. As a strong Marlin alternative, it also offers optional dual panes, folder size display, batch renaming, file tagging, and scripting capabilities, providing a highly flexible and portable experience.
File Explorer
File Explorer, formerly Windows Explorer, is the built-in file manager for Microsoft Windows. While a fundamental Marlin alternative for Windows users, it provides essential features like file management, searching, storage, and compression, bundled directly with the operating system for a seamless experience.
Directory Opus
Directory Opus is a commercial replacement for Windows Explorer, offering extensive power and functionality beyond standard file managers. This Marlin alternative boasts features like flat view, folder size display, file commenting, batch renaming, dual pane support, duplicate file finding, and integrated search, catering to users who need comprehensive file control.
Multi Commander
Multi Commander is a free, multi-tabbed file manager for Windows that serves as an excellent alternative to the standard Windows Explorer and Marlin. It features a popular and efficient dual-panel layout, offers extensive copy & paste actions, is extensible via plugins, and includes folder size display and integrated search, all in a portable package.
Thunar
Thunar is a modern, free, and open-source file manager for the Xfce Desktop Environment, designed for speed and ease of use. As a solid Marlin alternative for Mac and Linux (including Xfce, MacPorts, and XQuartz), it offers support for keyboard shortcuts, batch renaming, duplicate file finding, and efficient file management and renaming.
Finding the ideal file manager depends heavily on your specific operating system, workflow, and desired features. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, dual-pane efficiency, or advanced customization, this list of Marlin alternative options provides a comprehensive starting point. Explore each one to determine which best enhances your file management experience.