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Thunar

Free#12 of 100 in File Manager Software

Thunar: A focused, free and open-source Linux file manager with useful plugin support. Ranked #12 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting a simple free manager.

6.6/10Editor score
Thunar6.6 Visit Thunar

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.6 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Linux users wanting a simple free manager
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    None
  • Supported platforms
    linux
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026
  • Where it wins

    • Recursive search and configurable icon or detailed-list views
    • Remote filesystem access through GVFS, including SFTP and Samba
    • Bulk renaming and archive tools available through plugins
  • Where it doesn't

    • Designed for Linux rather than cross-platform use
    • Bulk renaming and archive actions require separate plugins
    • Remote filesystem access depends on GVFS packages from the distribution

Our verdict on Thunar

Thunar is a free, open-source desktop file manager from the Xfce Development Team. It is intended primarily for Xfce users and also suits people on other Linux desktop environments who want a focused tool for everyday file and folder management. Its core workspace covers local navigation, side-pane shortcuts for devices, places, and network locations, configurable icon and detailed-list views, recursive search, removable-media mounting and ejecting, and a tabbed interface.

Its Linux desktop integration is a central strength. Through GVFS, Thunar can access remote filesystems, with integrations including Samba, SFTP, and AFP. The side pane brings devices, places, and network locations into the navigation model, while removable-media controls support mounting and ejecting from the file manager. Optional integrations with Xarchiver, File Roller, Ark, and Engrampa extend archive creation and extraction without changing Thunar’s focused file-management role.

Thunar’s feature set is practical rather than broad. The Archive Plugin adds archive creation and extraction, while the bulk renaming plugin handles batch file changes; optional plugins can also add custom actions, media-tag support, Samba sharing, and version-control actions. Choose Thunar if you want a lightweight Linux file manager with search, remote filesystem access, removable-media controls, and an extensible plugin model. Consider another file manager if you need a platform-neutral product or prefer these archive and renaming functions to be built into the core experience.

Thunar pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on docs.xfce.org

Thunar fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromNone
Supported platformslinux
Dual-pane viewNot verified
Tabbed interfaceYes
Batch renameYes
Archive supportYes
Cloud storage accessNot verified
Portable versionNot verified
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsLinux
SupportDocs
Built forSolo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations8 integrations: GVFS, Samba, SFTP, AFP, Xarchiver, File Roller …
PricingFree plan
Websitedocs.xfce.org
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Thunar integrations

Thunar lists 8 integrations on its own site.

  • GVFS
  • Samba
  • SFTP
  • AFP
  • Xarchiver
  • File Roller
  • Ark
  • Engrampa

Alternatives to Thunar

See all Thunar alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Thunar 6.6/10

Thunar is listed in our File Manager Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

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