GNOME Files Alternatives for Linux

There are many alternatives to GNOME Files for Linux if you are looking for a replacement. The best Linux alternative is Spacedrive, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to GNOME Files and many of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to GNOME Files are Dolphin File Manager, Thunar, Midnight Commander and Nemo.

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Alternatives list

  1. Spacedrive icon
     167 likes

    Open-source file explorer integrates cloud, local, and offline storage across devices using a secure virtual distributed filesystem in Rust, enabling unified management, file syncing, privacy control, intuitive interface, and ownership without centralized servers.

    84 Spacedrive alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  2. Usability-focused file manager for KDE desktops offering tabbed and dual-pane browsing, archive support, quick file renaming, filter-based searching, customizable icons, theme adaptation, preview modes, and extensibility with various service integrations.

    83 Dolphin File Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Flathub
     
  3. Thunar icon
     148 likes

    Thunar is a modern file manager for the Xfce Desktop Environment. Thunar has been designed from the ground up to be fast and easy-to-use. Its user interface is clean, intuitive, and customizable. Thunar is fast and responsive with a good start up time and directory load time.

    89 Thunar alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Xfce
    • MacPorts
    • XQuartz
     
  4. Text-mode file manager for terminals with dual-pane interface enables copying, moving, deleting, and searching files locally or via remote shells. Includes internal viewer, text editor, subshell integration, broad terminal compatibility, and works over SSH.

    109 Midnight Commander alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Cygwin
    • MacPorts
     
  5. Nemo icon
     78 likes

    Nemo is the official file manager for the Linux Mint operating system running the Cinnamon desktop. It re-introduced several features removed from the file manager Nautilus, from which it originated.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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  6. Free, open-source file manager for Windows and Linux offering global search with typo correction, tabs, workspaces, wireless file sharing, advanced file downloader, item filtering, dashboard, file and note protection, media previews, and customizable features.

    72 Sigma File Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    1
  7. PCMan File Manager (PCManFM) is a file manager application, developed by Hong Jen Yee from Taiwan, which is meant to be a replacement for GNOME Files, Dolphin and Thunar. PCManFM is the standard file manager in LXDE, also developed by the same author in conjunction with other...

    48 PCMan File Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • LXDE
    • GTK
    • Qt
     
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    1
  8. SpaceFM icon
     26 likes

    Multi-panel tabbed file and desktop manager with built-in VFS, udev- or HAL-based device manager, customisable menu system, and bash integration.

    44 SpaceFM alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  9. Index is a convergent file manager, it the user with a simple way to navigate and manage files. Index incorporates features such as miller columns, embedded terminal, split views, file previews, experimental WebDAV support, tags.

    66 Index (Maui Applications) alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Android
    • AppImageHub
    • Linux Mobile
    • Plasma Mobile
    • Flatpak
    • Flathub
     
  10. GNOME Commander icon
     23 likes

    GNOME Commander is a "two-pane" graphical file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. GNOME Commander aims to fulfill the demands of more advanced users who like to focus on file management, their work through special applications and running smart commands.

    83 GNOME Commander alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  11. Caja icon
     11 likes

    Caja is a fork of Nautilus from GNOME 2 and is native to the MATE Desktop Environment. It is a file manager like the Windows Explorer (not to confuse with Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge), but for Unix/BSD and Linux.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
     
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