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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Krusader vs Midnight Commander

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Krusader #4 in File Manager Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit Krusader
Midnight Commander #6 in File Manager Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit site

Krusader leads on 0 checks, Midnight Commander 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 scoreKrusader · 8.8/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresKrusader · 4 of 6

Krusader scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 8.8 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #6.

Krusader is the better fit for linux users needing advanced file operations. Midnight Commander is the better fit for linux and macOS terminal users.

  • Krusader fits best

    Linux users needing advanced file operations

  • Midnight Commander fits best

    Linux and macOS terminal users

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Side by side

Feature Krusader 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Midnight Commander 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.6
Ranking #4 in File Manager Software #6 in File Manager Software
Best for Linux users needing advanced file operations Linux and macOS terminal users
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux Linux, macOS
Support Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Krusader 4/6 · Midnight Commander 3/6
Dual-pane view ✓ ✓
Tabbed interface ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Batch rename ✓ ✓
Archive support ✓ ✓
Cloud storage access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms linux linux, macos
Our review
Pros
  • Twin panels, tabs, archives, batch renaming, and advanced search
  • Remote access through FTP, NFS, Samba, FISH, SFTP, and WebDAV
  • Synchronization, comparison, checksums, mount management, and disk tools
  • Dual-pane browsing with core file operations and tree navigation
  • Batch selection, mask-based renaming, archives, search, and diffs
  • Works in terminals over SSH and other remote shells
Cons
  • Platform support is focused on Linux desktops
  • Some environments require KDE Frameworks libraries
  • Its extensive feature set may exceed basic file-management needs
  • Text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager
  • Volunteer-based support does not include commercial-grade service levels
  • Focused on Unix-like systems rather than broad desktop platform coverage
Our verdict

Krusader is an open-source file manager for Linux and other Unix-like desktops, designed around twin panels and tabbed folder views. It suits Linux users who need more than basic browsing, particularly people managing local files alongside…

Read the review →

Midnight Commander is a free, open-source, full-screen file manager for Unix-like systems, aimed at people who manage files from Linux or macOS terminals. Its two directory panels provide a focused way to navigate folders and perform…

Read the review →
  1. KrusaderFile Manager Software 8.8Free plan
  2. Midnight CommanderFile Manager Software 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Krusader — where it wins

    • Twin panels, tabs, archives, batch renaming, and advanced search
    • Remote access through FTP, NFS, Samba, FISH, SFTP, and WebDAV
    • Synchronization, comparison, checksums, mount management, and disk tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Platform support is focused on Linux desktops
    • Some environments require KDE Frameworks libraries
    • Its extensive feature set may exceed basic file-management needs

  • Midnight Commander — where it wins

    • Dual-pane browsing with core file operations and tree navigation
    • Batch selection, mask-based renaming, archives, search, and diffs
    • Works in terminals over SSH and other remote shells

    Where it doesn't

    • Text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager
    • Volunteer-based support does not include commercial-grade service levels
    • Focused on Unix-like systems rather than broad desktop platform coverage
  • Krusader8.8/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source Linux file manager built for advanced local and remote operations.

    Visit KrusaderFull verdict →
  • Midnight Commander8.6/10 · Free plan

    A capable open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS workflows.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All file manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update