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 Dolphin File Manager, 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 Spacedrive, Thunar, Midnight Commander and Nemo.

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GNOME Files alternatives page was last updated

Alternatives list

  1. 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.

    82 Dolphin File Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • KDE Plasma
    • Flathub
     
  2. Spacedrive icon
     159 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.

    82 Spacedrive alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     
  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.

    88 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.

    106 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.

    22 Nemo alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
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    2
    Nemo vs GNOME Files Comments
    hyOzd
    Positive
    0

    Nemo is a fork of gnome files while it was called nautilus that was started by Linux Mint project to keep its traditional features and looks. For example double pane. If you miss the old nautilus look this might be your best option.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It was developed as an alternative

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Nemo is Free and Open SourceGNOME Files is also Free and Open Source
    • Nemo is CustomizableGNOME Files is not according to our users
  6. Sigma File Manager is a free, open-source, quickly evolving, modern file manager (explorer / finder) app for Windows and Linux.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
     
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    1
    Sigma File Manager vs GNOME Files Comments
    hyOzd
    Negative
    0

    At first look this app doesn't have good support for linux. It doesn't hide 'dotfiles' even though in the settings 'hidden files' option is off. Maybe there was another setting, couldn't find it. Quick view feature did not open a simple text file, I'm guessing because it didn't have txt extension.

    • Sigma File Manager is Free and Open SourceGNOME Files is also Free and Open Source
  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
     
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    1
    PCMan File Manager vs GNOME Files Comments
    riveravaldez
    Positive
    0

    In simple systems it's much more lightweight, fewer dependencies, very quick and simple.

    • PCMan File Manager is Free and Open SourceGNOME Files is also Free and Open Source
  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.

    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.

    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.

    82 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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