Best Thunar Alternatives in 2026
The top Thunar alternatives are Total Commander, Dolphin and FreeCommander: 15 file manager software our editors would look at instead of Thunar, in our ranking order.
Thunar: A focused, free and open-source Linux file manager with useful plugin support. Where it falls short: designed for linux rather than cross-platform use.
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Best forWindows users wanting a complete file manager
A feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
9.8/10★★★★★Try Total Commander -
Best forFree Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager
A capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit KDE -
Best forBudget-conscious Windows users
A feature-rich Windows file manager with a capable free plan and low-cost paid access.
- Portable version
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit FreeCommander -
Best forWindows users focused on secure file transfers
A capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit WinSCP -
Best forLinux users needing advanced file operations
A free, open-source Linux file manager built for advanced local and remote operations.
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit Krusader -
Best forWindows power users needing customization
A deep, scriptable Windows file manager for users who want control beyond Explorer.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Directory Opus -
Best forLinux and macOS terminal users
A capable open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS workflows.
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
- Archive support
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit site -
Best forWindows users wanting a free all-rounder
A free Windows file manager with broad built-in tools and remote access.
- Cloud storage access
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
6.9/10★★★☆☆Try Altap Salamander -
Best forWindows users seeking broad free functionality
A free Windows file manager with broad tools for power users.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
6.9/10★★★☆☆Try Multi Commander -
Best forLinux users wanting a graphical twin-panel manager
A free, open-source Linux manager for advanced file operations and remote connections.
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
6.8/10★★★☆☆Try GNOME Commander -
Best forMac users needing broad cloud and server access
A feature-rich macOS file manager for local, cloud, server, and device access.
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Commander One -
Best forWindows users preferring a keyboard-driven manager
A free, extensible dual-panel manager for keyboard-focused Windows workflows.
- Batch rename
- Dual-pane view
- Archive support
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Far Manager -
Best forCross-platform users needing remote connectivity
A capable cross-platform file manager for local, cloud and network files.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit muCommander -
Best forWindows users needing archives and file synchronization
A Windows-focused file manager combining tabs, archives, transfers and synchronization.
- Portable version
- Tabbed interface
- Batch rename
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit EF Commander -
Best forWindows users focused on search and previews
A capable Windows file manager with strong previews, search, and one-time pricing.
- Portable version
- Cloud storage access
- Tabbed interface
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit xplorer²
Thunar Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to Thunar?
Total Commander: #1 in our File Manager Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.8 out of 10. A feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.
Is there a free alternative to Thunar?
Yes. Total Commander, Dolphin, FreeCommander, WinSCP and Krusader have a free plan or a free tier (14 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
What is the cheapest paid alternative to Thunar?
Of the alternatives here that publish a price, Commander One starts lowest, at $29.99one-time.
Thunar vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Supported platforms | Dual-pane view | Tabbed interface | Batch rename | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Thunar | Yes | None | linux | — | Yes | Yes | 6.6 |
| 1 | Total Commander | Yes | — | windows, android | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.8 |
| 2 | Dolphin | Yes | None | linux, windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 |
| 3 | FreeCommander | Yes | — | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.0 |
| 4 | WinSCP | Yes | None | — | — | — | — | 7.7 |
| 5 | Krusader | Yes | None | linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.4 |
| 6 | Directory Opus | No | — | windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.1 |
| 7 | Midnight Commander | Yes | None | linux, macos | Yes | — | Yes | 6.9 |
| 8 | Altap Salamander | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | — | Yes | 6.9 |
| 9 | Multi Commander | Yes | None | windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.9 |
| 10 | GNOME Commander | Yes | None | linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.8 |
| 11 | Commander One | Yes | $29.99one-time | macos | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.7 |
| 13 | Far Manager | Yes | None | Windows | Yes | — | Yes | 6.2 |
| 14 | muCommander | — | None | Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.0 |
| 15 | EF Commander | Yes | $36one-time | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.0 |
| 16 | xplorer² | Yes | $39.95one-time | windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.0 |
Guides on File Manager Software
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- ES File Explorer File Manager App Review (2026): Is It Safe and Worth Using?Aug 2026
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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