Thunar

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Linux users wanting a simple free manager
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• 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.

Your product? Our editors can test Thunar in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Thunar pricing

Thunar fact sheet

Thunar integrations

Thunar lists 8 integrations on its own site.

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

Alternatives to Thunar

• Total CommanderA feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.9.3
• DolphinA capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.9.1
• WinSCPA capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.9.0

See all Thunar alternatives →

Thunar vs the competition

• TThunar vs Total Commander
• TThunar vs Dolphin
• TThunar vs WinSCP
• TKThunar vs Krusader
• TFThunar vs FreeCommander
• TThunar vs Midnight Commander

Compare Thunar with any tool side by side →

Featured on iTechGuides

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 Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update