Users looking for a Finder-like file manager for macOS with features like gallery/cover flow view and color-based tags have various options. While Finder has its shortcomings, such as lacking tab navigation, slow performance, and excessive window management, alternatives like Commander One, Forklift, Transmit, Path Finder, HoudahSpot, Nimble Commander, Fman, XtraFinder, TotalFinder, and CRAX Commander offer improved functionality. These tools provide features like dual-panel views, efficient file operations, and enhanced customizability. Stay tuned for our next forum post where we’ll dive deeper into each top file manager alternative for macOS.
Hey everyone! I’m on the hunt for a file manager that feels a lot like the Finder on macOS. You know, with features like the gallery/cover flow view and those colorful tags. Could anyone recommend a solid alternative?
What Features Should a Good File Manager Have?
Before diving into the list, let’s chat about what makes a file manager awesome. We’re talking smooth navigation, fast performance, and handy features that make life easier. Now, let’s check out some of the top picks!
Key Reasons to Replace Finder 
After using a computer for a while, you might start noticing tiny annoyances with Finder. It’s not that it’s unusable, but it can definitely be a bit slow and missing some features other apps have. Here’s why some folks are looking for a Finder replacement:
- No Tab Navigation: Switching between multiple windows can be a pain.
- It’s Slow Sometimes: Not the snappiest performance.
- Confusing Navigation: Searching through complex projects can leave you tangled in a web of open windows.
- Annoying .DS_Store Files: It creates these files everywhere you go.
So, yeah, Finder’s got some cons, but luckily there are other apps out there.
Best File Managers for Mac 
1. Commander One
Download: Commander One
Why it’s awesome:
- Dual Panel Interface for easy file management.
- Show Hidden Files option.
- Files Operation Queue keeps things organized.
- Easy Item Selection makes it a breeze to select multiple files.
What’s missing:
- No Multi-File Rename: Can’t rename multiple files at once.
- No Folder Comparison: It doesn’t support comparing folder contents.
Price: Free version available, Pro version costs $29.99 per Mac.
User rating: 4.6/5 on Capterra
Latest Update: September 25, 2023
2. Forklift
Download: Forklift
Why it’s awesome:
- Batch Renaming for those file-naming sprees.
- Folder Synchronization keeps things in sync.
- Remote File Editing right from the app.
What’s missing:
- No Hash File Calculation: Can’t calculate hash files.
- Limited Comparison Tools: Fewer program choices for comparing files/folders.
- FTP Copying Errors: Issues when dealing with lots of folders.
Price: Free to try, starts at $19.95/year.
User rating: 4.4/5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: November 14, 2023
3. Transmit
Download: Transmit
Why it’s awesome:
- Transfer Between Remote Servers and drives.
- Supports Major Servers and Drives.
- Folder Synchronization is included.
What’s missing:
- Pricey: Could be a deal-breaker for some.
- No Menubar App: It’s missing a handy menubar app.
Price: Free trial, lifetime license for $45.
User rating: 4.4/5 on Mac App Store
Latest Update: November 6, 2023
4. Path Finder
Download: Path Finder
Why it’s awesome:
- Customizable Interface.
- Allume StuffIt for handling archives.
- Information Preview Panel.
What’s missing:
- High Price: It’s on the expensive side.
- Too Many Features: Can feel overloaded.
Price: Free, Pro version starts from $29.95/year.
User rating: 3.9/5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: June 19, 2023
5. HoudahSpot
Download: HoudahSpot
Why it’s awesome:
- Filter Results by Date.
- Search in Files and Folders and even in mail apps.
What’s missing:
- No System File Search.
- Spotlight Indexed Files Only.
Price: Free, upgrade for $19.
User rating: 4/5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: September 24, 2023
6. Nimble Commander
Download: Nimble Commander
Why it’s awesome:
- Keyboard Focused: All actions can be performed with the keyboard.
- Supports Mouse Actions: Still has mouse support for those who need it.
- Group Rename: Handy for mass renaming files.
- Hash Check: Verify file integrity with hash sums.
Pros:
- Connect to remote FTP/SFTP servers: Super handy if you’re dealing with remote files.
- Create symbolic and hard links: Advanced linking options at your fingertips.
- 30-day trial version: Give it a spin before committing.
Cons:
- Advanced Users Only: Not the easiest to use if you’re a beginner.
Price: Free
User Rating: 4.5 out of 5 on Mac App Store
Latest Update: December 25, 2022
Download here: Nimble Commander
Fman: Minimalistic and Lightweight
Fman is a minimalist dual-pane file manager that doesn’t hog your system resources, perfect for slower machines or those with limited disk space.
Pros:
- Python Plugin Support: Customize it with your own plugins!
- Quick Directory Access: Ctrl/Cmd + P lets you jump directories fast.
- Simple Interface: No extra clutter.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality: Still a bit basic compared to others.
- Missing Features: Some commonly used features aren’t there.
Price: Free to try, €39 for a full license
User Rating: 2.6 out of 5 on AlternativeTo
Latest Update: November 14, 2023
What’s new in the latest update:
- Symbolic links creation
- File size display in KB, MB, GB
- Copy/paste bug fix
Download here: Fman
XtraFinder: Elevate Your Finder Experience
XtraFinder is like Finder on steroids! It’s an add-on that brings a bunch of new features without slowing down your Mac.
Pros:
- Active Updates: Always being improved.
- Built-in Terminal: Handy if you’re into command-line stuff.
- Folder Prioritization: Folders show first.
- Wide Compatibility: Works on all macOS versions back to 10.6.
Cons:
- Hidden Files: Can’t show hidden files.
- Mac ARM: Not supported yet.
Price: Free trial, $4.99 for a one-time license
User Rating: 4.4 out of 5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: June 16, 2023
What’s new in the latest update:
- Updated for macOS 13
- Apple silicon support
Download here: XtraFinder
TotalFinder: Tabs Like a Pro
TotalFinder from BinaryAge brings tabbed browsing to Finder. It’s like Finder but way cooler, and you can call it up with hotkeys!
Pros:
- Hidden Files: Easily display hidden system files.
- Folder Sorting: Keep those folders at the top.
- Hotkeys: Fast Finder access.
Cons:
- M1 Compatibility: Not supported yet, bummer.
Price: Free
User Rating: 4.3 out of 5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: April 18, 2023
Download here: TotalFinder
CRAX Commander: Customization Heaven
CRAX Commander is a dual-pane file manager that lets you tweak everything to your heart’s content!
Pros:
- File Transfer: Seamlessly copy/move files.
- Archive Compatibility: Works with ZIP, RAR, 7-ZIP, and more.
- Remote Storage: Connect via SSH, SFTP, FTP, SMB, AFP.
Cons:
- FTP Performance Issues: Can be slow sometimes.
- No Size-Free Copying: Always calculates file size.
Price: Free demo, $25.99 for the full version
User Rating: 3.7 out of 5 on MacUpdate
Latest Update: October 6, 2023
Download here: CRAX Commander
Must-Have Features for a Mac File Manager
If you’re ditching Finder, here’s what you definitely want in your new file manager:
- Modern UI: Easy and intuitive.
- Dual Panel View: For easier file management.
- Tagged Navigation: Keep things organized.
- Customizable: Tailor it to your workflow.
- Plugin Support: Expand functionality.
- Reliability: Rock-solid performance.
- Network Storage: Manage online storage easily.
- Archive Handling: Work with various archive types.
This list can go on, but it should get you started on finding the perfect fit for your needs!
Conclusion
File management is key to a smooth workflow on your Mac. Whether you want a simple, lightweight program or a feature-packed powerhouse, there’s something out there for you. Choose what fits your style and happy organizing!
Hope this helps you all out! Which file manager do you use? Share your thoughts below!