Head-to-head · File Manager Software
GNOME Commander vs Thunar
GNOME Commander leads on 0 checks, Thunar 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 scoreGNOME Commander · 8.5/10
- Free planboth
GNOME Commander scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 8.5 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.
GNOME Commander is the better fit for linux users wanting a graphical twin-panel manager. Thunar is the better fit for linux users wanting a simple free manager.
- GNOME Commander fits best
Linux users wanting a graphical twin-panel manager
- Thunar fits best
Linux users wanting a simple free manager
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Side by side
| Feature | GNOME Commander 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Thunar 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #7 in File Manager Software | #8 in File Manager Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting a graphical twin-panel manager | Linux users wanting a simple free manager |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Integrations | 5 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features GNOME Commander 3/6 · Thunar 3/6 | ||
| Dual-pane view | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tabbed interface | ✓ | ✓ |
| Batch rename | ✓ | ✓ |
| Archive support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Cloud storage access | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Portable version | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | linux | linux |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | GNOME Commander is a GPL-licensed, open-source graphical file manager for Linux desktops. Its twin-panel layout targets advanced users who want side-by-side folder work, keyboard-oriented navigation and more control than a basic browser.… 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
GNOME Commander — where it wins
- Split panels, tabs and directory comparison support detailed file workflows
- Searches filenames and content, with filtering and metadata-aware batch renaming
- Connects through SSH, FTP, Windows shares and WebDAV
Where it doesn't
- Linux desktop only
- Documentation is the listed support channel
- Advanced controls may exceed the needs of casual file browsing
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
- GNOME Commander8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Linux manager for advanced file operations and remote connections.
Try GNOME CommanderFull 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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- Krusader vs Thunar
All file manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update