Head-to-head · File Renaming Software
Name Mangler vs PBRenamer
Name Mangler leads on 0 checks, PBRenamer on 1, 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 scoreName Mangler · 8.4/10
- Free planonly PBRenamer
Name Mangler scores higher on our rubric for file renaming software: 8.4 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.
PBRenamer offers free plan; Name Mangler doesn't. On platform coverage, PBRenamer gives you Multi_platform where Name Mangler offers Macos_only.
Name Mangler is the better fit for mac users wanting cloud integrations. PBRenamer is the better fit for free cross-platform power users.
- Name Mangler fits best
Mac users wanting cloud integrations
- PBRenamer fits best
Free cross-platform power users
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Side by side
| Feature | Name Mangler 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | PBRenamer 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #3 in File Renaming Software | #5 in File Renaming Software |
| Best for | Mac users wanting cloud integrations | Free cross-platform power users |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free |
| Starting price | $19 one-time | Free plan |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Name Mangler 5/5 · PBRenamer 5/5 | ||
| Regex renaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Metadata-based renaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rename preview | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folder renaming | ✓ | ✓ |
| Undo changes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platform coverage | Macos_only | Multi_platform |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Name Mangler is a macOS desktop application for batch-renaming files and folders. It suits Mac users managing anything from a few files to tens of thousands, especially when renaming needs to follow repeatable rules rather than a single… Read the review → |
PBRenamer is a free, open-source desktop application for batch-renaming files and directories across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is aimed at power users who need more control than simple find-and-replace tools provide, including… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Name Mangler — where it wins
- Multi-step rules support regex, metadata, sequencing, and case changes.
- Preview, reversal, history, and duplicate detection support safer batch renaming.
- Presets, scripts, droplets, Dropbox, and Box extend repeatable workflows.
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS.
- There is no free plan.
- Cloud integrations are limited to Dropbox and Box.
PBRenamer — where it wins
- Free and open-source on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Previews conflicts before batch renaming and supports undo
- Combines regex, metadata tokens, recursive handling, and CLI mode
Where it doesn't
- Marked as alpha software in its package metadata
- Advanced pattern and metadata rules may require technical familiarity
- No paid tier or broader service ecosystem for managed support
- Name Mangler8.4/10 · Paid
A focused Mac renamer with advanced rules, previews, reversal, and Dropbox or Box support.
Visit Many TricksFull verdict → - PBRenamer7.9/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source renamer for power users who need regex, metadata, and automation.
Visit PBRenamerFull verdict →
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All file renaming software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





