List of the Top 7 File Managers in 2025

By utilizing Ctrl+P, users can quickly access a directory, while fman adeptly remembers your commonly accessed folders and provides them as suggestions, significantly improving the experience compared to the old-fashioned way of navigating through directory trees. Moreover, fman offers a flexible plugin system that allows users to either install pre-existing plugins or develop their own to share within the community. As a practical alternative to standard file management applications such as Windows Explorer or macOS Finder, fman redefines how you navigate directories, handle file transfers, and manage external storage devices. This forward-thinking design simplifies file-related operations, enabling users to open the source folder on one side and the destination folder on the other, performing the copy action with a simple keyboard shortcut. Unlike traditional file managers, fman removes the complications associated with multiple open windows, dragging files, or enduring a lengthy copy/paste process, which significantly boosts productivity. The integration of these features makes fman a highly user-friendly option for anyone aiming to enhance their file management experience. Ultimately, fman's innovative design not only streamlines tasks but also encourages a more organized approach to file management.

One Commander V3 serves as a contemporary file management application compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It boasts features such as tabbed browsing, dual-pane interfaces, and column navigation, along with a built-in preview option, a customizable theming system, and color tagging capabilities. For home users, it is available free of charge and is ad-free, making it an appealing choice. The software requires the .NET 4.8 framework and specifically runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11, with Windows 10S not being supported. It is optimized for high-DPI displays, ideally those over 95ppi, and takes advantage of the acrylic window effect exclusive to Windows 10, while Windows 11 users can utilize the Mica window effect. Although it incorporates tabbed functionality, it is not intended to serve as a replacement for the traditional Windows File Explorer or the MacOS Finder; rather, it aims to innovate and enhance workflows that have remained stagnant since the 1990s. The continuous evolution of this program is heavily influenced by user feedback, emphasizing its commitment to improvement and adaptation.

Vifm is a file management tool that utilizes a curses interface to create a Vim-like environment for organizing files across different file systems, while also integrating several unique features inspired by mutt. For those already acquainted with vi, Vifm facilitates thorough keyboard navigation, allowing users to avoid the hassle of mastering new commands. It provides user mappings similar to Vim, along with command-line capabilities that include ranges and abbreviations, as well as marks and registers akin to those found in Vim. The application boasts directory tree comparison and the functionality to undo, redo, or run processes in the background. Furthermore, it supports FUSE file systems and enables users to apply color schemes to specific sub-trees, along with customizing file decorations based on their type or name. Users can also create named bookmarks (tags) and employ a Less-like preview mode with adjustable viewers to enrich their experience. Advanced capabilities, such as file filtering and renaming, are complemented by flexible viewing arrangements, including one or two-pane setups within tabs. In addition, it offers shell-like command-line editing and multiple display options, such as table, grid, tree, and miller layouts for files. Vifm is designed to work seamlessly with GNU Screen and tmux, supports multi-block selection, and is compatible across various platforms including GNU/Linux, BSD, Solaris, Windows, and Mac OS, making it a highly adaptable tool for managing files in diverse environments. This rich array of features ensures that Vifm stands out as a robust option for users who favor a keyboard-driven approach to file management, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Marta is a file management application tailored specifically for macOS, delivering a native, rapid, and customizable experience. Constructed entirely in Swift, this tool facilitates an effortless interaction whether you favor keyboard shortcuts or mouse navigation, resulting in impressive responsiveness. Users have the ability to tailor their experience through fully configurable hotkeys, which boosts both comfort and efficiency. Notably, Marta places a strong emphasis on user privacy; it does not gather or sell personal data, ensuring a safe environment devoid of hidden features or backdoors. The app streamlines archive handling by enabling users to manage ZIP files as if they were regular folders on their Mac, while also supporting various formats including RAR, 7Z, XAR, TAR, ISO, CAB, LZH, and others. Moreover, it allows exploration and modification of files within nested archives, catering effectively to advanced users. With a commitment to usability, Marta incorporates a clean, organized configuration system that avoids the clutter often found in conventional tabbed interfaces, making it straightforward to edit and share settings. Additionally, users can select from five stylish themes, guaranteeing that whether one leans towards a light or dark aesthetic, there's an option that suits their personal taste. Beyond just fulfilling practical needs, Marta significantly enriches the overall user experience with its carefully considered design, which reflects a deep understanding of user preferences and workflows.

Discover a comprehensive document management application designed specifically for your iPad and iPhone, which includes all vital functionalities. Seamlessly connect to a variety of devices such as computers, Windows, Macs, servers, cloud storage, and USB drives with remarkable ease. You can directly edit your documents while also setting up automatic backups and synchronization processes to keep your files updated. Furthermore, manage your files and folders efficiently with the capability to rename them in bulk, alongside many other features. The user interface is both streamlined and cohesive, allowing for effortless creation, deletion, and renaming of files, in addition to actions like copying, moving, downloading, and uploading. The exceptional connectivity of FileBrowser Professional gives the impression that all of your resources are located on a solitary server. On your iPad, utilize split-screen mode to smoothly drag and drop files from a local USB flash drive to the FTP site of your web server. You can easily transfer files between Dropbox and Google Drive or move data across different storage solutions without any complications. FileBrowser Professional emerges as the only application you need to proficiently organize and access all your storage options. With this app on your iPad or iPhone, you can effortlessly transfer documents and folders between computers or into your cloud storage, optimizing your organizational tasks and ensuring they remain both streamlined and efficient. This powerful application truly transforms the way you manage your digital documents, offering an unparalleled level of convenience and accessibility.

Though numerous file managers are available that boast strong functionality, many fall short of fully embracing Material Design principles. Even those that assert adherence to these guidelines often reveal subtle design flaws, including problems with layout, alignment, padding, icons, and fonts, which can lead to user discomfort, particularly for individuals like myself, even if not everyone feels compelled to address these issues. As a result of this dissatisfaction, I took the initiative to create my own file manager. Furthermore, a significant number of widely-used and reputable file managers operate under closed-source models. While I sometimes rely on these applications for tasks requiring root access, I cannot shake the unease that comes from allowing a closed-source program such extensive permissions on my device. After all, my device houses sensitive personal information, and the trust I place in these developers is often unfounded. Thus, it becomes imperative to emphasize the need for transparency regarding access permissions within software applications, as this builds a stronger bond of trust between users and developers. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with us to ensure that our data remains secure and that the tools we use align with our standards for privacy and usability.

Thunar is a sophisticated file management application specifically designed for the Xfce Desktop Environment. It prioritizes both speed and ease of use, featuring a clean and straightforward interface that eliminates unnecessary complexity from the outset. Users can expect quick launch times, allowing for fast navigation through files and directories with remarkable responsiveness. To further expand its functionality, various plugins can be installed separately, enhancing Thunar's capabilities. These plugins typically introduce additional features to the context menu associated with files and provide convenient shortcuts for improved accessibility. The integration of these plugins is made possible through the Thunar API, which ensures they work seamlessly with the main application. Ultimately, Thunar is designed to deliver a highly efficient file management experience that can be tailored to fit the unique preferences of its users while continually evolving to meet their demands. This adaptability makes it a preferred choice among those seeking a robust file management solution.