File Explorer AlternativesOnly apps categorised as File Sync Tools

The best File Sync alternative to File Explorer is Double Commander, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to File Explorer and eight of them are File Sync Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting File Sync Tool alternatives to File Explorer are FreeCommander, Spacedrive, Directory Opus and ForkLift.

filter to find the best alternatives

File Explorer alternatives are mainly File Managers, but if you're looking for File Sync Tools or FTP Clients you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Windows, Windows + Open Source, Linux, Free, Windows + Free and File Management. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to File Explorer.
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Alternatives list

  1. Double Commander icon

    Double Commander

     601 likes

    Open-source file manager with dual-panel interface, inspired by Total Commander. Supports plugin use, advanced search, tabbed browsing, and runs smoothly with background operations. Unicode and multi-platform compatibility enhance its versatility.

    131 Double Commander alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Double Commander screenshot 1
     
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    3
    Double Commander vs File Explorer Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    It tries too hard to be just a Total Commander replacement. Ultimately it feels like a console interface file manager rather than a GUI file manager with a lot of simple mechanisms in modern GUI-based file managers (not just Windows Explorer!) incredibly hard to replicate.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Negative
    -13

    not contain columns for video settings (video length)

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    RemovedUser
    Negative
    -84

    Why 2 windows in one? I just want a directory tree with a pane showing the contents of that directory.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Double Commander is Free and Open SourceFile Explorer is Free and Proprietary
    • Double Commander is Privacy focusedFile Explorer is not according to our users
  2. FreeCommander icon

    FreeCommander

     397 likes

    Dual-panel file manager with tabbed navigation, built-in viewer for multiple formats, ZIP/RAR/7z archive support, folder sync and comparison, batch renaming, search within archives, customizable keyboard shortcuts, DOS command integration, and full portability.

    116 FreeCommander alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • PortableApps.com
    FreeCommander screenshot 1
     
  4. Spacedrive icon

    Spacedrive

     152 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.

    77 Spacedrive alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    Spacedrive screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Spacedrive vs File Explorer Comments
    Guest
    Negative
    0

    Because it lacks a lot of features. For exemple, it doesn't handle network shares.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Spacedrive is Free and Open SourceFile Explorer is Free and Proprietary
    • Spacedrive is Privacy focusedFile Explorer is not according to our users
  5. Directory Opus icon

    Directory Opus

     227 likes

    Complete Explorer alternative with dual-pane navigation, folder tabs, batch renaming, built-in image and document viewer, portable device access, scriptable interface, archive and metadata support, robust search, color coding, sync tools, and high DPI compatibility.

    86 Directory Opus alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Dual display (vertical layout) without trees (this is the Commander style). Both file displays are in list mode, showing popup tooltip for an image file.
     
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    2
    Directory Opus vs File Explorer Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    All the FE is and much, much more

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    It has all the features that File Explorer refuses to add.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • Directory Opus is Paid and ProprietaryFile Explorer is Free and Proprietary
  9. Vole Windows Expedition icon

    Vole Windows Expedition

     2 likes

    Vole Windows Expedition is a new generation file manager, dual-explorer, built-in previewer, 4K supported and one-click to get all your files and folders ready in a nicely gallery format, a more graceful way to manage documents.

    73 Vole Windows Expedition alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    Preview MP4 and PDF
     
  10. Synapse file manager icon

    Synapse file manager

     1 like

    Synapse Commander is a dual-pane macOS file manager that lets you work with local disks and network servers side by side, supporting FTP/FTPS, SFTP, SMB/WebDAV, smart sync, batch rename, and keyboard-driven workflows.

    Cost / License

    • Free Personal
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Synapse file manager screenshot 1
     
8 of 8 File Explorer alternatives