Best Linux File Managers
File Managers are known to manage all your files and daily activities quickly and efficiently. File managers allow you to locate, copy, move, rename files, delete files, manage space in your system, and manage system disks.
Many systems come with a default file manager with a simple user interface and standard features. But if you want to add advanced features to your system then you should consider downloading a file manager. Advanced file managers will assist you in your daily activities and make your tasks easier. There are many file managers available in the market for Linux users. In this article, we have compiled a list of the Best Linux File managers based on popularity, Quality, features, and latest updates. We have also included an installation process for each file manager.
Our Top Picks
Below are the 7 best Linux File Managers in 2023.
Keep reading for a detailed review of the best Linux File Managers.
Review: Best Linux File Managers
1. Dolphin – Overall Best Linux File Manager
Dolphin is one of the most popular and most used file managers around the world. Dolphin is a default manager on KDE-powered distributions. It enables you to view your SD card, USB drive, and hard drive content using a simple User interface. Dolphin File manager can be used in three modes, including tree view, grid view, and detail view.
Dolphin is a highly convenient file manager that makes your file more accessible. It can manage your many tasks, such as copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files. It is flexible and user-friendly. You can extend its abilities using different plugins that you can download from its official website. Dolphin can be used as a single file manager for network and local files on your Linux.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- sudo apt install dolphin
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install dolphin
2. Krusader
Krusader is a great option for those looking for a file manager with two split panels by default. It’s an advanced file manager that is mainly built for KDE experience, but it also works for other desktop environments.
It’s a highly capable file manager with advanced features, such as extensive archive handling, mounted file system support, file transfer, advanced search module, copy files, move files, edit files, directory synchronization, content comparison, and powerful batch renaming.
Krusader supports multiple archive formats such as Bzip2, ZIP, ARJ, TAR, GZIP, LHA, 7Z, RPM, and many more. It is a highly customizable, quick, and simple file manager with an easy user interface. You can extend its capabilities by getting multiple plugins of Krusader from the KDE store.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install krusader
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install krusader
3. Thunar
Thunar is an excellent file manager designed to be fast, quick, and highly responsive than all other file managers on the market. It is primarily developed for the XFCE desktop environment and loaded with the GNOME accessibility toolkit to offer high accessibility.
It’s an easy-to-use and lightweight file manager that can handle your tasks efficiently. You can enhance its capabilities via various plugins. It has a built-in Terminal Emulator which is a highly impressive feature to choosing Thuner.
It allows you to rename multiple files at once, supports emblems to mark folders for fast and visual references, and gives a send To option to share files and folders with a single click. Another incredible feature is its “ volume manager”, which manages removable media devices automatically. Overall, Thunder is a great pick for a linux file manager.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install thunar
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install thunar
4. Nemo
Nemo is primarily a Linux Mint default file manager in the cinnamon desktop edition. It’s an open-source, fully featured, and free file manager that delivers an efficient, quick, and simple user interface. Nemo offers bookmark management capabilities and a powerful navigation system.
Nemo offers a high-quality performance by using both the GNOME Virtual file system and GNOME Input and Output. Its dual pane mode allows you to copy, move, and paste files and folders. You can also rename multiple files at once. It enables you to access both network and local files from the same window. Nemo supports Media transfer protocol and file transfer protocol. You can extend its capabilities via various extensions.
How to Install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install nemo
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install nemo
5. Konqueror
The word “ Konqueror ” indicates a conqueror that can fulfill the requirements of a web browser as well as the file manager. Konqueror is a KDE-developed file manager with a simple user interface.
It is a unique, free, and open-source file manager that offers web access through its web browser system. It allows you to access local and network files from a single file manager.
It allows you to copy, move, search, and delete files more quickly. It is a highly customizable file manager that comes with some advanced functions like SMB shares, archive access, SFTP, and FTP access. It supports plugins to enhance its functionality.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install konqueror
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install konqueror
6. PCManFM
PCManFM is a lightweight file manager loaded with tons of advanced features like any other Linux file manager. It’s an open-source and free-to-use tool that was released under the GNU general public license.
PCManFM offers multiple features like twin panels, bookmarks, thumbnails for pictures, and multilingual support. It enables you to access remote files and use drag-and-drop tools to enhance accessibility. You can view files in 4 different view formats, including Icon view, detailed view, thumbnails, and compact view.
PCManFM comes with a volume management system that allows users to easily mount, unmount eject storage devices, and manage their storage space. It is a highly customizable tool that enables you to increase its functionality via various plugins.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install pcmanfm
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install pcmanfm
7. Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander is a fully featured file manager that is licensed under General Public License. This file manager allows you to easily move, copy, paste, delete, and rename files and folders.
It offers file viewing, searching files, highlighting syntax, and editing options. It enables you to rename multiple files at once. It has subshells that allow users to run different commands. It’s easy to use and a quick tool to store your files and organize them.
How to install:
For Ubuntu-based Distros, use the following command:
- apt install mc
For Fedora-based Distros, use the following command:
- dnf install mc
FAQ’S
Does Linux have a file manager?
Linux desktop comes with a default file manager with a simple user interface and standard features. But if you want to add advanced features to your system then you should consider downloading a file manager.
What is the lightest File Manager for Linux?
The most beloved and lightest Linux file manager is unarguably Thunar. It is an excellent file manager designed to be fast, quick, and highly responsive than all other file managers on the market.
What is the best file manager for Ubuntu-based distros?
Krusader is a great option for those looking for the best Ubuntu-based Distros. This file manager has two split panels by default. It’s an advanced file manager that is mainly built for the KDE experience, but it also works for other desktop environments.
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