xplr
xplr: A configurable terminal file manager for Linux and macOS users who prefer keyboard-driven navigation. Ranked #20 of 29 in Terminal File Managers by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for customizable Linux and macOS navigation.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCustomizable Linux and macOS navigation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Dual-pane layoutYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Lua configuration supports layouts, panels, plugins, and extensions
- Search, filtering, sorting, and core file operations are built in
- Shell integration and virtual roots add command-line flexibility
Where it doesn't
- Dual-pane navigation depends on an optional plugin or hack
- The text preview pane is optional rather than a default feature
- Designed as a terminal layer, not a graphical file manager replacement
Our verdict on xplr
xplr is an open-source terminal user-interface file explorer for navigating and operating on filesystems from the command line. It is aimed at developers and terminal-focused users who want keyboard-controlled navigation with a configurable visual layer over command-line file utilities. Its core feature set covers search, filtering, sorting, file selection, copying, moving, renaming, deletion, virtual-root navigation, and customizable layouts and panels. xplr supports Linux and macOS, with a free plan reflected in its open-source distribution.
Customization is the central reason to choose xplr. Lua-based configuration and extensibility let users shape layouts, panels, and behavior, while shell-command and message integration connects navigation with command-line workflows. The project also supports plugins, including dual-pane navigation, and offers an optional text preview pane. These capabilities make xplr a fit for users who want to adapt a terminal file manager to their own workflow rather than accept a fixed interface. The trade-off is that some of the more specialized navigation features require optional plugin or hack configurations instead of being part of the default experience.
xplr works best when keyboard control, shell interaction, and configuration depth matter more than a conventional desktop interface. Its focused scope keeps the product centered on filesystem navigation from a terminal, with core file operations and filtering available alongside Lua customization. Choose it if you want an open-source file manager for Linux or macOS that can become a tailored part of a command-line workflow. Choose an alternative if you need a graphical file manager experience, or if dual-pane navigation and text preview must be available without optional configuration.
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xplr pricing
xplr fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Dual-pane layout | Yes |
| Linux support | Yes |
| macOS support | Yes |
| Windows support | Not verified |
| Preview pane | Yes |
| Remote file access | Not verified |
| Archive support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | xplr.dev |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to xplr
- NewtA free, open-source file manager for local work, remote sessions, archives, and search.9.4
- Rat CommanderA free, open-source file manager for keyboard-driven work across three desktop platforms.9.2
- FileManagerTUIA Vim-oriented, cross-platform terminal manager with previews, editing, batch actions, and S3 browsing.9.0
Also Ranked In
xplr is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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