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Head-to-head · Duplicate File Finders

Czkawka vs fclones

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Czkawka #2 in Duplicate File Finders 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Czkawka
fclones #26 in Duplicate File Finders 6.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit fclones

Czkawka leads on 0 checks, fclones on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCzkawka · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCzkawka · 4 of 4

Czkawka scores higher on our rubric for duplicate file finders: 8.8 against 6.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #26.

Czkawka is the better fit for technical users wanting free cross-platform software. fclones is the better fit for CLI-focused users and scripted deduplication.

  • Czkawka fits best

    Technical users wanting free cross-platform software

  • fclones fits best

    CLI-focused users and scripted deduplication

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Czkawka 8.8/10 Visit ↗ fclones 6.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 6.0
Ranking #2 in Duplicate File Finders #26 in Duplicate File Finders
Best for Technical users wanting free cross-platform software CLI-focused users and scripted deduplication
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Linux, macOS, Windows
Features Czkawka 4/4 · fclones 3/4
File preview ✓ ✓
Automatic selection ✓ ✓
Recycle Bin / Trash ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Folder exclusions ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform coverage Cross-platform Cross-platform
Scan locations User-selected local directories and paths Directory trees, multiple directory roots, standard-input file lists, and mounted or removable devices
Match methods File name, file size, name and size, or full-content hash File size, inode/file identifiers, prefix hash, suffix hash, and full-content hash
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
  • Multiple hash methods, caching, exclusions, previews, and selection presets
  • CLI support for scripting, dry runs, JSON output, and automated deletion
  • Scans directory trees, file lists, mounted devices, and removable media
  • Offers hash caching, dry runs, filters, and priority-based file selection
  • Removes, links, moves, or reflinks redundant files with structured reports
Cons
  • Scan locations are limited to user-selected directories and files
  • Media matching is narrower than its broader file-cleanup toolkit
  • The legacy GTK interface no longer receives new binaries
  • The command-line workflow is primarily suited to technical users
  • Windows and macOS have platform-specific limitations
  • Recycle Bin handling is not verified
Our verdict

Czkawka is a free, open-source file-cleanup suite for technical users who want duplicate detection across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android-related frontends. It identifies duplicates by file name, size, full-file hash, or combined size…

Read the review →

fclones is a free, open-source command-line utility for finding identical files and managing redundant copies. It suits users who prefer scripted workflows, administrators working across directory trees, and anyone who needs more control…

Read the review →
  1. CzkawkaDuplicate File Finders 8.8Free plan
  2. fclonesDuplicate File Finders 6.0Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Czkawka — where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
    • Multiple hash methods, caching, exclusions, previews, and selection presets
    • CLI support for scripting, dry runs, JSON output, and automated deletion

    Where it doesn't

    • Scan locations are limited to user-selected directories and files
    • Media matching is narrower than its broader file-cleanup toolkit
    • The legacy GTK interface no longer receives new binaries

  • fclones — where it wins

    • Scans directory trees, file lists, mounted devices, and removable media
    • Offers hash caching, dry runs, filters, and priority-based file selection
    • Removes, links, moves, or reflinks redundant files with structured reports

    Where it doesn't

    • The command-line workflow is primarily suited to technical users
    • Windows and macOS have platform-specific limitations
    • Recycle Bin handling is not verified
  • Czkawka8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, scriptable duplicate finder for technical users across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

    Visit CzkawkaFull verdict →
  • fclones6.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source deduplication utility for scripted, cross-platform file scanning.

    Visit fclonesFull verdict →

More comparisons

All duplicate file finders comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update