Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander: A capable open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS workflows. Ranked #6 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (8.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux and macOS terminal users.
At a glance
- Editor score8.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux and macOS terminal users
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformslinux, macos
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Dual-pane browsing with core file operations and tree navigation
- Batch selection, mask-based renaming, archives, search, and diffs
- Works in terminals over SSH and other remote shells
Where it doesn't
- Text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager
- Volunteer-based support does not include commercial-grade service levels
- Focused on Unix-like systems rather than broad desktop platform coverage
Our verdict on Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander is a free, open-source, full-screen file manager for Unix-like systems, aimed at people who manage files from Linux or macOS terminals. Its two directory panels provide a focused way to navigate folders and perform everyday operations such as copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files and directories. The interface runs in consoles and terminal emulators, including through SSH and other remote shells, making it particularly relevant to command-line workflows and remote administration.
The feature set goes beyond basic browsing. Batch selection and mask-based copy or rename operations help with grouped file work, while search, a directory hotlist, and tree navigation support larger directory structures. Archive and virtual filesystem access extends browsing into packaged content. The internal viewer, editor, and diff viewer keep inspection and file comparison within the same terminal-oriented environment. Subshell command execution also connects file management with shell work, so users can move between navigation and command-line tasks without changing tools.
Midnight Commander is a strong choice for users who prefer keyboard-driven, text-based file management and want a broad set of operations without a purchase cost. Its GNU General Public License and open-source model suit users who value freely available Unix tooling. The trade-off is its deliberately terminal-first design: people who expect a graphical interface may prefer another file manager. Support is volunteer-based and does not include commercial-grade support or service-level agreements, which matters for organizations that require formal assistance. Choose Midnight Commander for capable terminal workflows; look elsewhere when graphical interaction or commercial support is central.
Your product? Our editors can test Midnight Commander in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Midnight Commander pricing
Midnight Commander fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | linux, macos |
| Dual-pane view | Yes |
| Tabbed interface | Not verified |
| Batch rename | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Cloud storage access | Not verified |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | midnight-commander.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Midnight Commander
- 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
See all Midnight Commander alternatives →
Midnight Commander vs the competition
- Midnight Commander vs Total Commander
- Midnight Commander vs Dolphin
- Midnight Commander vs WinSCP
- Midnight Commander vs Krusader
- Midnight Commander vs FreeCommander
- Midnight Commander vs GNOME Commander
Compare Midnight Commander with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Midnight Commander is ranked in 2 of our directories.
Used Midnight Commander? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Midnight Commander for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Midnight Commander is listed in our File Manager Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/midnight-commander/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/midnight-commander.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update