Head-to-head · Terminal File Managers
Rat Commander vs Vifm
Rat Commander leads on 0 checks, Vifm on 0, and 8 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreRat Commander · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresRat Commander · 7 of 7
Rat Commander scores higher on our rubric for terminal file managers: 9.2 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Rat Commander is the better fit for power users needing deep file operations. Vifm is the better fit for vim users wanting a full dual-pane manager.
- Rat Commander fits best
Power users needing deep file operations
- Vifm fits best
Vim users wanting a full dual-pane manager
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Side by side
| Feature | Rat Commander 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Vifm 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Terminal File Managers | #5 in Terminal File Managers |
| Best for | Power users needing deep file operations | Vim users wanting a full dual-pane manager |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux, Windows, macOS |
| Support | Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Rat Commander 7/7 · Vifm 2/7 | ||
| Dual-pane layout | ✓ | ✓ |
| Linux support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| macOS support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Windows support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Preview pane | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Remote file access | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Archive support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Rat Commander is a terminal-based file manager for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It is designed for users who prefer keyboard-driven navigation and want file operations, viewing, editing, archives, remote filesystems, Git, and disk utilities… Read the review → |
Vifm is a curses-based, terminal file manager for technically oriented users who prefer Vim-style keyboard control. Developers, system administrators, and power users can navigate local or mounted filesystems through one- or two-pane views… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Rat Commander — where it wins
- Dual-pane workflows with vertical or horizontal splits
- Remote filesystems, archives, Git, synchronization, and comparisons
- Free, open-source packages for Linux, macOS, and Windows
Where it doesn't
- Terminal-based workflows may not suit users who prefer graphical file managers
- Linux disk management features are not listed for macOS or Windows
- Its broad toolset may exceed the needs of users seeking basic file browsing
Vifm — where it wins
- Dual panes, tabs, previews, archives, and directory comparison
- Vim-like mappings, commands, marks, registers, and scripting
- Free, open-source support for Linux, Windows, and macOS
Where it doesn't
- Terminal-first interaction may not suit mouse-focused workflows
- Lua and shell customization can require technical setup
- No AI-assisted file management features
- Rat Commander9.2/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source file manager for keyboard-driven work across three desktop platforms.
Visit Rat CommanderFull verdict → - Vifm8.8/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source dual-pane manager for users who prefer Vim-style control.
Visit VifmFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update