Head-to-head · Disk Space Analyzers
FolderSizes vs gdu
FolderSizes leads on 1 check, gdu on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFolderSizes · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
FolderSizes scores higher on our rubric for disk space analyzers: 7.9 against 4.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #48.
FolderSizes offers file-type breakdown; gdu doesn't.
FolderSizes is the better fit for windows reporting and scheduled analysis. gdu is the better fit for free terminal or browser analysis everywhere.
- FolderSizes fits best
Windows reporting and scheduled analysis
- gdu fits best
Free terminal or browser analysis everywhere
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Side by side
| Feature | FolderSizes 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | gdu 4.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 4.0 |
| Ranking | #9 in Disk Space Analyzers | #48 in Disk Space Analyzers |
| Best for | Windows reporting and scheduled analysis | Free terminal or browser analysis everywhere |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $30 one-time | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features FolderSizes 3/5 · gdu 3/5 | ||
| Treemap view | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application sizes | Not checked yet | — |
| File-type breakdown | ✓ (best) | — |
| External drive scans | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Exportable reports | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Desktop platforms | Windows | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Scan scope | Files_folders | Files_folders |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | FolderSizes is a Windows disk space analyzer for individuals, consultants, businesses, and IT administrators. It scans local drives, folders, network paths, mapped and UNC locations, and external drives, then reports folder and file sizes… Read the review → |
gdu is an open-source disk-usage analyzer written in Go for inspecting local files and folders. It suits users who want storage visibility from a terminal, a non-interactive command-line workflow, or a browser interface served locally by… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
FolderSizes — where it wins
- Scans local, network, mapped, UNC, and external drives
- Finds large, old, duplicate, temporary, and other file classes
- Supports scheduled reports, snapshots, trend analysis, and exports
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability limits cross-platform use
- Installed-application size analysis is not a dedicated view
- Advanced reporting features require a paid edition
gdu — where it wins
- Interactive terminal, command-line, and local browser interfaces
- Treemaps, donut charts, JSON, SQLite, and BadgerDB storage
- Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and web access
Where it doesn't
- The browser interface depends on the command-line application
- Focused on local disks rather than hosted storage analysis
- Deletion and trash features require careful operator review
- FolderSizes7.9/10 · Free plan
A detailed Windows analyzer with scheduled reporting, visualizations, and one-time pricing.
Visit FolderSizesFull verdict → - gdu4.0/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source analyzer for detailed local storage inspection across five platforms.
Visit gduFull verdict →
All disk space analyzers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update