Head-to-head · File Manager Software
Krusader vs Thunar
Krusader 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 scoreKrusader · 8.8/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresKrusader · 4 of 6
Krusader scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 8.8 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.
Krusader is the better fit for linux users needing advanced file operations. Thunar is the better fit for linux users wanting a simple free manager.
- Krusader fits best
Linux users needing advanced file operations
- Thunar fits best
Linux users wanting a simple free manager
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Side by side
| Feature | Krusader 8.8/10 Visit ↗ | Thunar 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #4 in File Manager Software | #8 in File Manager Software |
| Best for | Linux users needing advanced file operations | 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 | 7 integrations | 8 integrations |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Krusader 4/6 · Thunar 3/6 | ||
| Dual-pane view | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Tabbed interface | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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
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
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
- Krusader8.8/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Linux file manager built for advanced local and remote operations.
Visit KrusaderFull 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