The Best Paid File Explorer AlternativesTop File Managers & File Search Utilities like File Explorer

The best paid alternative to File Explorer is Directory Opus. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to File Explorer and many of them is paid so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting paid alternatives to File Explorer are xplorer², File Pilot, Path Finder and Tokie.

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File Explorer alternatives are mainly File Managers, but if you're looking for File Search Utilities or File Compressors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Open Source, Windows, Windows + Open Source, Linux, Free, Windows + Free and Mac. 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. Directory Opus icon
     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
     
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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
  2. xplorer² icon
     104 likes

    xplorer² is a desktop file manager combining the simplicity of Windows explorer with the speed and efficiency of traditional dual pane file managers.

    93 xplorer² alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
    |
    3
    xplorer² vs File Explorer Comments
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Lightweight, full-feature customizable file manager

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    1

    Very powerfull Explorer replacement, with tons of additional services, tabbed interface, flat navigation, favorite folders and views, long etc.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    w-y
    Positive
    1

    Customizable, clean, powerful. The only alternative for Windows

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    • xplorer² is Paid and ProprietaryFile Explorer is Free and Proprietary
  3. Path Finder icon
     56 likes

    Path Finder is a standalone Finder replacement that takes the Finder's familiar interface and adds numerous powerful features and interface innovations to help anyone be more productive on macOS.

    51 Path Finder alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  4. Tokie icon
     9 likes

    A document, a database, and a browser, all in your folders.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  5. oMega Commander icon
     51 likes

    Innovative, convenient, fast, feature-packed File Manager, with a unique, powerful and, at the same time, familiar and easy to use interface, designed for all users.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  6. Fileboss icon
     6 likes

    FileBoss is the robust and powerful file manager for Windows that tames today's large and complex Windows' file systems.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
  7. MaxCommander icon
     6 likes

    Manage your files the way you always do, using two panels and the keyboard (and sometimes the mouse). Introducing the MaxCommander.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  8. Folders File Manager is designed for users who recently transitioned from a PC as well as for those who have always missed a tree-style file manager on their Mac. Everything in Folders feels as familiar as possible while satisfying your passion for beautiful-looking apps.

    19 Folders File Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  9. Efficient macOS file manager with native SwiftUI offers familiar Windows-style cut and paste, tabs, multi-panel browsing, deep sidebar navigation, Quick Look, file previews, conflict handling, external drive support, advanced search, and multi-language localization.

    51 Trove File Explorer alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
  10. ExplorerMax icon
     2 likes

    If you are frustrated by the limitations and inconveniences of built-in Windows explorer (File Explorer), ExplorerMax is your better choice. It is an enhanced Windows explorer with far more power functionalities.

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
     
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