Shake
Shake: A free, open-source command-line tool for defragmenting files while Linux is running. Ranked #12 of 20 in Disk Defragmentation Software by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for userspace Linux file defragmentation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUserspace Linux file defragmentation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2008
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs in userspace without kernel patching
- Processes directories and piped file lists
- Supports inspection, heuristics, and extended attributes
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only platform focus
- Requires command-line installation and operation
- Focused on file defragmentation rather than broader disk management
Our verdict on Shake
Shake is a free, open-source command-line defragmenter for GNU/Linux. It is intended for Linux users who need to rewrite fragmented files from userspace without applying kernel patches. The tool can operate while the GNU/Linux system is in use, making it suited to file-level defragmentation within an active environment. Its project dates to 2008, and installation is documented through Linux distribution packages or from source.
Its strongest feature is the combination of inspection and selective processing. Pretend and verbose modes can inspect fragmentation, while heuristics consider file size, age, relationships between access times, and fragment counts. Shake can process directories directly or accept piped file lists, giving command-line users several ways to define the work. Extended-attribute support also enables incremental operation, which fits workflows that need to track processing across multiple runs. These controls make the tool more focused than a general disk utility, but they also place responsibility on the user to choose targets and invoke the appropriate options.
Shake is a good fit for Linux administrators and technically comfortable users who want an open-source, userspace approach to file defragmentation. Its Linux-only scope and command-line model make it less suitable for people seeking a graphical interface, cross-platform coverage, or a broader disk-management suite. Choose Shake when file rewriting, inspection, directory handling, and heuristic control are the priority; choose another type of utility when the requirement extends beyond GNU/Linux file defragmentation.
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Shake pricing
Shake fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Drive types | Not verified |
| Scheduled optimization | Not verified |
| Automatic optimization | Not verified |
| Boot-time optimization | Not verified |
| Filesystem support | Not verified |
| Maximum drive count | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Email |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | vleu.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shake
- IObit Smart DefragA Windows-focused optimizer with free defragmentation and paid automation features.9.4
- Disk SpeedUpA free Windows tool for HDD and SSD analysis, defragmentation, and optimization.9.2
- O&O DefragA paid Windows optimizer combining drive maintenance, monitoring, and automation.8.8
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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