Parallel Disk Usage (pdu)
Parallel Disk Usage (pdu): A free, open-source terminal analyzer with parallel scans, ASCII charts, and JSON modes. Ranked #90 of 104 in Disk Space Analyzers by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers comparing terminal disk usage.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers comparing terminal disk usage
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Desktop platformsWindows, macOS, Linux
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Parallel directory-tree analysis across Linux, macOS, and Windows
- ASCII charts with depth, width, and measurement controls
- JSON input/output plus optional hardlink deduplication
Where it doesn't
- No graphical treemap view
- No app-size or file-type breakdown
- External-drive scanning is not documented
Our verdict on Parallel Disk Usage (pdu)
Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) is an open-source command-line utility for examining disk usage across files and directories. It is aimed at developers and technical users who prefer terminal workflows, configurable output, and tools that can fit into scripts. Published binaries support Linux, macOS, and Windows, while installation is also available through Cargo or Arch Linux. The tool scans files and folders, compares multiple paths, and presents usage through ASCII graphical charts rather than a graphical treemap.
There are no commercial paid tiers: the project is distributed as open-source binaries and source code. Its platform coverage is broad for a command-line analyzer, and JSON input and output give it a defined place in command-line pipelines. JSON is the listed integration format, so it can connect with other tools that can read or produce JSON. The published feature set also includes configurable maximum tree depth, visualization width, and column width, allowing users to tune output for different terminal layouts.
Its standout capability is parallelized directory-tree analysis, supported by optional scan-progress reporting and optional hardlink detection with deduplication. Users can measure apparent size, block size, or block count, which makes the output useful for different disk-usage questions. The trade-off is a narrow terminal-first focus: there is no graphical treemap, app-size view, or file-type breakdown. Choose pdu if you want an open-source analyzer with comparison, scripting, and low-level measurement controls. Choose an alternative if visual exploration or application-oriented storage reporting matters more than terminal output.
Your product? Our editors can test Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) pricing
Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Desktop platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Treemap view | No |
| Application sizes | No |
| File-type breakdown | No |
| External drive scans | Not verified |
| Exportable reports | Yes |
| Scan scope | Files_folders |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Parallel Disk Usage (pdu)
- TreeSizeA broad Windows analyzer with strong free features and tiered automation tools.9.3
- WinDirStatA classic Windows analyzer with treemaps, file breakdowns, duplicate detection, and CSV export.9.1
- FilelightA free, open-source disk analyzer with strong KDE integrations and ring-based visuals.9.0
See all Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) alternatives →
Used Parallel Disk Usage (pdu)? 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 Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) 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
Parallel Disk Usage (pdu) is listed in our Disk Space Analyzers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/parallel-disk-usage-pdu/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/parallel-disk-usage-pdu.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