far2l review
A plugin-rich file manager for local files, archives, comparisons, and many remote systems.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
far2l pros and cons
- 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
far2l fact sheet, pricing and score →
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