Thunar
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.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting a simple free manager
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Supported platformslinux
- Facts checked21 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
Thunar fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Supported platforms | linux |
| Dual-pane view | Not verified |
| Tabbed interface | Yes |
| Batch rename | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Cloud storage access | Not verified |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: GVFS, Samba, SFTP, AFP, Xarchiver, File Roller … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | docs.xfce.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
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.9.8
- DolphinA capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.8.2
- FreeCommanderA feature-rich Windows file manager with a capable free plan and low-cost paid access.8.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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