Head-to-head · Disk Space Analyzers
QDirStat vs gdu
QDirStat leads on 2 checks, gdu on 0, and 4 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 scoreQDirStat · 7.1/10
- Free planboth
QDirStat scores higher on our rubric for disk space analyzers: 7.1 against 4.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #17 and #48.
QDirStat offers application sizes; gdu doesn't. QDirStat offers file-type breakdown; gdu doesn't. On scan scope, QDirStat gives you Files_folders_apps where gdu offers Files_folders.
QDirStat is the better fit for free cross-platform desktop analysis. gdu is the better fit for free terminal or browser analysis everywhere.
- QDirStat fits best
Free cross-platform desktop analysis
- gdu fits best
Free terminal or browser analysis everywhere
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Side by side
| Feature | QDirStat 7.1/10 Visit ↗ | gdu 4.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.1 | 4.0 |
| Ranking | #17 in Disk Space Analyzers | #48 in Disk Space Analyzers |
| Best for | Free cross-platform desktop analysis | Free terminal or browser analysis everywhere |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features QDirStat 3/5 · gdu 3/5 | ||
| Treemap view | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application sizes | ✓ (best) | — |
| File-type breakdown | ✓ (best) | — |
| External drive scans | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Exportable reports | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Desktop platforms | Linux, BSD, Unix-like systems; macOS | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Scan scope | Files_folders_apps | Files_folders |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | QDirStat is a free, open-source graphical disk-usage analyzer for Linux and macOS. It is designed for users who need to locate large files, understand directory usage, inspect installed software, and clean up local storage. Its main… Read the review → |
gdu is an open-source disk-usage analyzer written in Go for inspecting local files and folders. It suits users who want storage visibility from a terminal, a non-interactive command-line workflow, or a browser interface served locally by… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
QDirStat — where it wins
- Free GPL v2 open-source access
- Treemap, tree, file-type, age, and histogram views
- Cleanup actions and Linux package integrations
Where it doesn't
- No native Windows version
- Package views depend on supported Linux systems
- macOS binaries come through a separate distributor repository
gdu — where it wins
- Interactive terminal, command-line, and local browser interfaces
- Treemaps, donut charts, JSON, SQLite, and BadgerDB storage
- Supports Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and web access
Where it doesn't
- The browser interface depends on the command-line application
- Focused on local disks rather than hosted storage analysis
- Deletion and trash features require careful operator review
- QDirStat7.1/10 · Free plan
A capable free analyzer for Linux and macOS users who need visual storage insight.
Visit QDirStatFull verdict → - gdu4.0/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source analyzer for detailed local storage inspection across five platforms.
Visit gduFull verdict →
All disk space analyzers comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update