far2l
far2l: A plugin-rich file manager for local files, archives, comparisons, and many remote systems. Ranked #6 of 29 in Terminal File Managers by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux and macOS users managing many remotes.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux and macOS users managing many remotes
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Remote access covers SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, SMB, NFS, WebDAV, and AWS S3
- Plugins support archives, comparisons, viewing, editing, image viewing, and scripting
- Offers terminal, wxWidgets, and SDL backends with open-source extensibility
Where it doesn't
- Verified platform support is limited to Linux and macOS
- The project describes its beta version as unstable on master
- Plugin-based configuration may require more setup than simpler file managers
Our verdict on far2l
far2l is an open-source file manager for Linux and macOS, designed for users who need more than local directory navigation. It combines terminal interfaces with graphical wxWidgets and SDL backends, while plugins extend its work across archives, remote files, comparisons, text, images, and scripting. The result is a broad tool for administrators, developers, and technical users managing files across local and remote environments.
Remote access is a central strength. The NetRocks plugin supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, SMB, NFS, WebDAV, and AWS S3, while the listed integrations also include SHELL, ADB, and MTP. Archive browsing and management are handled through the multiarc and arclite plugins. File comparison and alignment plugins add useful support for reviewing differences, and viewing and editing plugins keep related tasks inside the same application. Optional Python scripting and plugin-based extensibility give technically inclined users room to adapt workflows.
Its breadth also defines the trade-off. far2l covers many workflows in one file manager, but the project describes itself as a beta version and states that master is considered unstable. Users who want a mature, narrowly focused graphical file browser may prefer a simpler alternative. far2l is better suited to Linux and macOS users who value remote protocol coverage, archive tools, comparison features, and extensibility, and who are comfortable with a project whose development status calls for care when choosing a production workflow.
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far2l pricing
far2l fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Dual-pane layout | Not verified |
| Linux support | Yes |
| macOS support | Yes |
| Windows support | No |
| Preview pane | Not verified |
| Remote file access | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: SFTP, SCP, SHELL, FTP, FTPS, SMB … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
far2l integrations
far2l lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- SFTP
- SCP
- SHELL
- FTP
- FTPS
- SMB
- NFS
- WebDAV
- AWS S3
- ADB
- MTP
Alternatives to far2l
- NewtA free, open-source file manager for local work, remote sessions, archives, and search.9.4
- Rat CommanderA free, open-source file manager for keyboard-driven work across three desktop platforms.9.2
- FileManagerTUIA Vim-oriented, cross-platform terminal manager with previews, editing, batch actions, and S3 browsing.9.0
far2l vs the competition
Compare far2l with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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