Best Midnight Commander Alternatives in 2026
The top Midnight Commander alternatives are Total Commander, Dolphin and WinSCP: 15 file manager software our editors would look at instead of Midnight Commander, in our ranking order.
Midnight Commander: A capable open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS workflows. Where it falls short: text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager.
Switching from Midnight Commander? For most file manager software buyers the best Midnight Commander alternative is Total Commander, built for windows users wanting a complete file manager. On a budget, Filestash starts at $50/mo.
Why People Look for a Midnight Commander Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallTotal Commander9.3
Windows users wanting a complete file manager
Visit Total Commander - Lowest priceFilestash7.4
Paid plans from $50/mo
Visit Filestash - Best free optionTotal Commander9.3
Has a free plan
Visit Total Commander
All 15 Midnight Commander Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forWindows users wanting a complete file manager
- Better than Midnight Commander:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 8.6
A feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
9.3/10★★★★★Try Total Commander -
Best forFree Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager
- Better than Midnight Commander:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 8.6
A capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
9.1/10★★★★★Visit KDE -
Best forWindows users focused on secure file transfers
- Better than Midnight Commander:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 8.6
A capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit WinSCP -
Best forLinux users needing advanced file operations
- Better than Midnight Commander:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 8.6
A free, open-source Linux file manager built for advanced local and remote operations.
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Krusader -
Best forBudget-conscious Windows users
- Better than Midnight Commander:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 8.6
A feature-rich Windows file manager with a capable free plan and low-cost paid access.
- Portable version
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit FreeCommander -
Best forLinux users wanting a graphical twin-panel manager
A free, open-source Linux manager for advanced file operations and remote connections.
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
8.5/10★★★★☆Try GNOME Commander -
Best forLinux users wanting a simple free manager
A focused, free and open-source Linux file manager with useful plugin support.
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
- Archive support
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Thunar -
Best forWindows power users needing customization
A deep, scriptable Windows file manager for users who want control beyond Explorer.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Directory Opus -
Best forWindows users wanting a free all-rounder
A free Windows file manager with broad built-in tools and remote access.
- Cloud storage access
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
8.2/10★★★★☆Try Altap Salamander -
Best forWindows users preferring a keyboard-driven manager
A free, extensible dual-panel manager for keyboard-focused Windows workflows.
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
- Archive support
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Far Manager -
Best forWindows users seeking broad free functionality
A free Windows file manager with broad tools for power users.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
7.9/10★★★★☆Try Multi Commander -
Best forMac users needing broad cloud and server access
A feature-rich macOS file manager for local, cloud, server, and device access.
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Commander One -
Best forCross-platform users needing remote connectivity
A capable cross-platform file manager for local, cloud and network files.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit muCommander -
Best forTeams needing self-hosted sharing and file access
A self-hosted file hub for teams that need sharing, sync and web access.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit FileRun -
Best forTeams managing existing remote storage
Connects remote storage to browser-based browsing, transfers, editing, and sharing.
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Filestash
Midnight Commander Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Midnight Commander?
Total Commander: #1 in our File Manager Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.
Is there a free alternative to Midnight Commander?
Yes. Total Commander, Dolphin, WinSCP, Krusader and FreeCommander have a free plan or a free tier (13 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for Midnight Commander alternatives?
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.
How do I switch from Midnight Commander?
Export your data from Midnight Commander (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Midnight Commander.
How to Switch from Midnight Commander
- Export your data from Midnight Commander (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel Midnight Commander.
Midnight Commander vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | Dual-pane view | Tabbed interface | Batch rename | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Midnight Commander | Yes | Free | linux, macos | Yes | Yes | 8.6 | |
| 1 | Total Commander | Yes | windows, android | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Dolphin | Yes | Free | linux, windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.1 |
| 3 | WinSCP | Yes | Free | 9.0 | ||||
| 4 | Krusader | Yes | Free | linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 5 | FreeCommander | Yes | €18/yr | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 |
| 6 | GNOME Commander | Yes | Free | linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 7 | Thunar | Yes | Free | linux | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 8 | Directory Opus | No | windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 9 | Altap Salamander | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | 8.2 | |
| 10 | Far Manager | Yes | Free | Windows | Yes | Yes | 7.9 | |
| 11 | Multi Commander | Yes | Free | windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 12 | Commander One | Yes | $29.99/device one-time | macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.8 |
| 13 | muCommander | Free | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 14 | FileRun | No | €9.90/user/yr | 7.6 | ||||
| 15 | Filestash | Yes | $50/mo | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | 7.4 |
Head-to-Head
- 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
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update