Head-to-head · File Manager Software
FreeCommander vs Thunar
FreeCommander leads on 0 checks, Thunar on 0, and 7 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreFreeCommander · 8.7/10
- Free planboth
- Free trialonly FreeCommander
- Most featuresFreeCommander · 5 of 6
FreeCommander scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 8.7 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
FreeCommander is the better fit for budget-conscious Windows users. Thunar is the better fit for linux users wanting a simple free manager.
- FreeCommander fits best
Budget-conscious Windows users
- Thunar fits best
Linux users wanting a simple free manager
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Side by side
| Feature | FreeCommander 8.7/10 Visit ↗ | Thunar 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.7 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #5 in File Manager Software | #8 in File Manager Software |
| Best for | Budget-conscious Windows users | Linux users wanting a simple free manager |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | €18/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | 30 days | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows | Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features FreeCommander 5/6 · Thunar 3/6 | ||
| Dual-pane view | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tabbed interface | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch rename | ✓ | ✓ |
| Archive support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cloud storage access | — | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows | linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | FreeCommander is a Windows desktop file manager for users who want more control than a basic folder browser provides. Its dual-pane layout, tabbed folders, archive handling, search, renaming, synchronization, FTP/SFTP access, and checksum… Read the review → |
Thunar is a free, open-source desktop file manager from the Xfce Development Team. It is intended primarily for Xfce users and also suits people on other Linux desktop environments who want a focused tool for everyday file and folder… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
FreeCommander — where it wins
- Free plan includes dual panes, tabs, search, archives, and synchronization
- FTP/SFTP, checksums, folder comparison, and multi-rename tools
- Portable operation avoids a conventional installation
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only desktop software
- Free private-user version is 32-bit
- Paid prices exclude VAT and may vary by customer type or location
Thunar — where it wins
- Recursive search and configurable icon or detailed-list views
- Remote filesystem access through GVFS, including SFTP and Samba
- Bulk renaming and archive tools available through plugins
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux rather than cross-platform use
- Bulk renaming and archive actions require separate plugins
- Remote filesystem access depends on GVFS packages from the distribution
- FreeCommander8.7/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A feature-rich Windows file manager with a capable free plan and low-cost paid access.
Visit FreeCommanderFull verdict → - Thunar8.4/10 · Free plan
A focused, free and open-source Linux file manager with useful plugin support.
Visit ThunarFull verdict →
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All file manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update