File Explorer Alternatives for Linux

Double Commander is a free and open-source cross-platform file manager with a classic dual-panel interface. It provides essential file management operations alongside advanced features like batch renaming, folder synchronization, and built-in viewers and editors, making it a comprehensive tool for efficiently organizing and manipulating files across various operating systems.

Nautilus, also known as GNOME Files, is the official file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing files and folders, offering features like file preview, search, and network drive support.

muCommander is a versatile, open-source file manager designed for productivity across various operating systems. It offers a dual-pane interface for efficient file operations, built-in support for network protocols like FTP and SSH, and extensive customization options, making it a powerful tool for both casual users and power users who need advanced file management capabilities.

Thunar is a modern, lightweight, and fast file manager for the Xfce desktop environment and other Unix-like systems. Designed for simplicity and speed, it focuses on delivering a highly responsive file browsing experience directly out of the box, while remaining easily customizable through plugins.

Dolphin File Manager is a free and open-source file manager for Linux, developed by KDE. It prioritizes ease of use and simplicity while offering a variety of powerful features for efficient file management, including network protocol support and a configurable interface.

trolCommander is a powerful and lightweight cross-platform file manager. It is a fork of the popular muCommander, offering a dual-pane interface, rich feature set including built-in viewers, terminal, FTP/SFTP support, and extensive customization options. Designed for efficiency and speed, it's an excellent alternative for users seeking advanced file management capabilities across various operating systems.

PCMan File Manager is a highly regarded, lightweight file manager designed for speed and efficiency. It is the default file manager for the LXDE desktop environment and offers a clean interface and essential file management functionalities with low resource consumption.

Xfe is a lightweight and fast graphical file manager for the X Window System, providing essential file management operations with a focus on efficiency and customization.

fman is a powerful, dual-pane file manager designed for speed and efficiency across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a clean interface, robust search capabilities, extensive keyboard shortcut support, and a flexible plugin system for enhanced functionality.

Tux Commander is an open-source dual-pane file manager designed for Linux systems, primarily utilizing the GTK2 toolkit. It provides a robust set of tools for managing files and directories efficiently, including support for network protocols like FTP and SFTP. While the project is discontinued, it remains a functional option for users seeking a classic dual-pane interface and core file management capabilities.

SpaceFM is a highly configurable desktop-independent file and desktop manager for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It offers a multi-panel, tabbed interface with extensive keyboard control and built-in tools, providing a powerful alternative to traditional file explorers.

Vifm is a ncurses-based file manager with Vim-like keybindings, designed for efficiency in terminal environments. It offers a dual-pane interface, tab support, and extensive customization options, making it a powerful tool for users comfortable with command-line workflows and seeking a highly keyboard-driven file management experience.

Marlin is a modern, fast, and feature-rich file manager built with GTK3. It offers a sleek user interface with tabbed browsing, dual pane support, and extensibility through plugins, making file management efficient and customizable.