rdfind
rdfind: A free, open-source choice for recursive duplicate matching with scripting-friendly control. Ranked #17 of 37 in Duplicate File Finders by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source users preferring command-line control.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source users preferring command-line control
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Platform coverageCross-platform
- Facts checked25 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Compares content, not filenames, using staged checks and checksums
- Supports MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and xxh128
- Can rank originals, create reports, and replace duplicates with links
Where it doesn't
- Command-line workflow requires comfort with terminal-based tools
- No preview interface for reviewing duplicate groups
- Deletion does not include Recycle Bin handling
Our verdict on rdfind
rdfind is a free, open-source command-line utility for finding duplicate files within or across directories. It suits users who want direct control over scans, reports, selection rules, and file actions rather than a graphical review workflow. Recursive searches accept directories and individual files as command-line arguments, and the tool runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows through supported installation or compatibility methods. It has been maintained since 2006, with source compilation available on Unix-like systems.
Its matching process is more deliberate than filename-based comparison. rdfind compares file sizes, checks selected first and last bytes, and then uses checksums to identify equal content. Supported checksum choices include MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, and xxh128. The tool also handles inode and device identity, ranks matching files to identify an original and duplicates, and writes a results.txt report by default. That combination gives command-line users useful automation for recurring cleanup or scripted workflows. Duplicate files can be deleted, or replaced with symbolic or hard links.
The trade-off is a narrow, terminal-first experience. There is no preview interface, so users who need visual inspection before deciding what to remove should choose a duplicate finder built around graphical review. Deletion also does not use Recycle Bin handling, which makes file-action choices important before running cleanup commands. Linux users can work directly with the command-line utility; macOS installation is described through MacPorts, while the Windows approach uses Cygwin. rdfind is a strong fit for technically comfortable users who value content matching, reports, and link replacement, but less suitable for people seeking guided onboarding or visual file management.
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rdfind pricing
rdfind fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform coverage | Cross-platform |
| Scan locations | Specified files and directories; directory contents are scanned recursively. |
| Match methods | File size, first bytes, last bytes, and checksum (configurable checksum algorithms). |
| File preview | No |
| Automatic selection | Yes |
| Recycle Bin / Trash | No |
| Folder exclusions | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | rdfind.pauldreik.se |
| Facts checked | 25 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to rdfind
- AllDupA fully free Windows duplicate finder with broad matching and cleanup controls.9.0
- CzkawkaA free, scriptable duplicate finder for technical users across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.8.8
- Wise Duplicate FinderA Windows duplicate finder with free manual cleanup and Pro date-based selection.8.7
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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