broot
broot: A free, open-source terminal file manager for cross-platform power users. Ranked #62 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cross-platform users who prefer interactive terminal.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCross-platform users who prefer interactive terminal
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsLinux, macOS, Windows
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Tree browsing with fuzzy, regex, and file-content search
- Linux, macOS, and Windows support
- Panels, staging, previews, and Git status in the terminal
Where it doesn't
- Terminal interface may not suit GUI-first workflows
- No AI-assisted file features
- Support is centered on community and documentation
Our verdict on broot
broot is a terminal-based file browser for exploring directory trees, finding files, launching commands, and managing items from an interactive command line. It suits solo users and small teams working across Linux, macOS, and Windows who prefer terminal workflows over a conventional graphical file manager. The interface combines navigation, search, previews, file operations, and Git information in one desktop application.
The published model is open source, and a free plan is available. Its feature depth centers on discovery and navigation: users can toggle hidden and Git-ignored files, search with fuzzy matching or regular expressions, and search within file contents. Previews can include supported terminal image previews. Built-in move, copy, delete, and directory-creation operations reduce the need to switch to separate shell commands, while sorting exposes file sizes, dates, permissions, and filesystem usage.
For more involved file work, multiple panels support navigation and copying or moving between locations, and a staging area lets users select files before running commands on them. Git status and branch information appear in the file view, making the browser relevant to repositories as well as ordinary folders. The trade-off is its narrow terminal orientation: people who expect a mouse-first graphical file manager may prefer another option, and there are no AI features. Support is provided through community and documentation channels, so broot is a strong fit for command-line-oriented users who value portability and open-source access, but a weaker choice for GUI-first workflows or teams seeking a broader managed support model.
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broot pricing
broot fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Dual-pane view | Yes |
| Tabbed interface | Not verified |
| Batch rename | Not verified |
| Archive support | Not verified |
| Cloud storage access | Not verified |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to broot
- Total CommanderA feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.9.3
- DolphinA capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.9.1
- WinSCPA capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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