25 Best File Managers and Explorers [GUI + CLI] for Linux

Linux is known for its vast range of file managers and explorers that make managing files on platform a breeze. In this article, we will explore 25 best file managers and explorers for Linux, including both GUI and CLI options.

Nautilus

Nautilus is default file manager for GNOME desktop environments. It comes pre-installed with most Linux distributions that use GNOME as their desktop environment. Nautilus is an intuitive file manager that makes navigating through files and folders easy. It supports tabs, bookmarks, and a built-in search functionality.

Dolphin

Dolphin is default file manager for KDE desktop environments. It is feature-rich and includes a range of advanced options for managing files. Dolphin has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through files and folders. It supports tabs, split views, and a range of customization options.

Thunar

Thunar is default file manager for Xfce desktop environments. It is a lightweight and fast file manager that includes a range of basic file management features. Thunar has a clean and straightforward interface that makes it easy to use. It supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

PCManFM

PCManFM is a lightweight file manager that is popular among users of lightweight desktop environments such as LXDE and Openbox. It has a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through files and folders. PCManFM supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Ranger

Ranger is a terminal-based file manager that is popular among users who prefer to use command line for file management. It has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. Ranger supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Midnight Commander

Midnight Commander is a terminal-based file manager that is popular among users who prefer to use command line for file management. It has a range of advanced features for managing files, including support for virtual file systems and a built-in editor. Midnight Commander has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

Nemo

Nemo is a file manager that is based on Nautilus. It includes a range of advanced features, including a built-in previewer, support for multiple tabs, and a range of customization options. Nemo has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through files and folders.

Caja

Caja is a file manager that is based on Nautilus. It includes a range of advanced features, including a built-in previewer, support for multiple tabs, and a range of customization options. Caja has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through files and folders.

Konqueror

Konqueror is a file manager and web browser that is popular among users of KDE desktop environment. It includes a range of advanced features for managing files and browsing web, including support for tabs, split views, and a range of customization options. Konqueror has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

Rox

Rox is a file manager that is popular among users of lightweight desktop environments such as Fluxbox and Openbox. It has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. Rox supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Krusader

Krusader is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options. Krusader has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

MC-Clone

MC-Clone is a file manager that is based on Midnight Commander. It includes all features of Midnight Commander, but with a more modern and user-friendly interface. MC-Clone supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Double Commander

Double Commander is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options. Double Commander has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

GNOME Commander

GNOME Commander is a file manager that is based on Midnight Commander. It includes all features of Midnight Commander, but with a more modern and user-friendly interface. GNOME Commander supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Tux Commander

Tux Commander is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options. Tux Commander has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

Xfe

Xfe is a lightweight and fast file manager that is popular among users who require basic file management features. It has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. Xfe supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

SpaceFM

SpaceFM is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options. SpaceFM has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

Sunflower

Sunflower is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options. Sunflower has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use.

Worker

Worker is a file manager that is popular among users who prefer to use command line for file management. It has a range of advanced features for managing files, including support for virtual file systems and a built-in editor.

Filerunner

Filerunner is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options.

MC-Light

MC-Light is a lightweight and fast file manager that is based on Midnight Commander. It includes all features of Midnight Commander, but with a more modern and user-friendly interface. MC-Light supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

EmelFM2

EmelFM2 is a file manager that is popular among users who require advanced file management features. It includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options.

Gnome Files (Formerly Known as Nautilus)

Gnome Files, formerly known as Nautilus, is default file manager for GNOME desktop environments. It comes pre-installed with most Linux distributions that use GNOME as their desktop environment. Gnome Files is an intuitive file manager that makes navigating through files and folders easy.

MC-Link

MC-Link is a file manager that is based on Midnight Commander. It includes all features of Midnight Commander, but with a more modern and user-friendly interface. MC-Link supports tabs, bookmarks, and a range of customization options.

Dired

Dired is a file manager that is built into Emacs, a popular text editor for Linux. It is a powerful file manager that includes a range of advanced features, including support for virtual file systems, a built-in editor, and a range of customization options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Linux users have access to a range of powerful file managers and explorers that cater to different user needs. Whether you prefer a GUI or CLI-based file manager, there is a solution available for you. file managers listed above offer a range of features that cater to both basic and advanced file management needs. From lightweight and minimalistic PCManFM to powerful and feature-rich Dolphin, there is a file manager available for every type of user.