Broot review
A capable cross-platform terminal file manager for search-heavy directory work.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Broot is a free, open-source terminal file manager from Canop for users who want to navigate directories, find files, inspect content, and launch commands without leaving the command line. It runs locally on Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a practical fit for developers, system administrators, and technical users who work across desktop platforms. Its directory overviews, hidden- and ignored-file toggles, preview panel, and filesystem usage views help turn large folder trees into something easier to scan.
Search is the central strength. Broot supports filename, regular-expression, and file-content searches, while sorting by file size or date provides additional ways to narrow a directory. Multiple navigable panels support side-by-side browsing, and the staging area lets users prepare commands for multiple files before running them. Built-in move, copy, remove, and mkdir operations cover common file-management tasks. Configurable commands, shortcuts, and shell integration also let the interface adapt to established terminal workflows. Git status and branch information add useful context when browsing repositories.
Broot is a strong choice for cross-platform browsing and search, especially when previews, batch actions, and repository context matter more than a graphical interface. It is less suitable for users who expect a conventional desktop file manager or built-in archive workflows. The product can browse mounted remote disks, but users seeking native remote protocols such as SFTP or FTP should choose a tool centered on that capability instead. Overall, Broot favors focused local file management and command-driven workflows over broad remote-access or archive-management coverage.
Broot pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Searches filenames, regular expressions, and file contents
- Multiple panels, previews, and staging support multi-file work
- Runs locally on Linux, macOS, and Windows with Git information
- Where it doesn't
- The terminal interface may not suit users who prefer graphical file managers
- Native SFTP or FTP support is not part of the stated feature set
- Archive support is not included in the listed category capabilities
Broot fact sheet, pricing and score →
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