macOS Finder is limited in features to basic file browsing and operations. For more advanced tasks and higher performance, alternatives like Commander One, ForkLift 4, Path Finder 10, Nimble Commander, and others are recommended. These tools offer features like dual-pane interfaces, advanced searching, file encryption, and remote file access. Commander One stands out for its blend of convenience and advanced capabilities, especially with its support for network protocols and cloud drives. Stay tuned for our next forum post, where we will provide a more detailed tutorial on choosing the best file manager for your needs.
Alright folks, let’s dive into this! 
So, Finder on macOS is cool and all, but it’s really just the basics. If you handle loads of files often and need something more robust, check out these options. Here are some killer alternatives to Finder for Mac in 2024.
File Finder Mac Tools in 2024 
User situation:
I usually have to navigate directories with tens or hundreds of thousands of files, and sometimes a GUI file explorer is just easier than the command line. Does anyone have suggestions for high-performance Finder alternatives? — Reddit
Best Alternatives to Finder - Quick Compare 
| Name | Free Version? | Price | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commander One | Yep | $29.99 | Easy |
| ForkLift 4 | Nope, only a trial | Starts at $19.95 | Medium |
| Path Finder 10 | Nope, only a trial | $29.95 | Medium |
| Nimble Commander | Nope, only a trial | $24.99 | High |
| TotalFinder | Yep | Free | Easy |
| XtraFinder | Nope, only a trial | $4.99 | Easy |
| muCommander | Yep | Free | Easy |
| CRAX Commander | Nope | $25.99 | Medium |
| HoudahSpot 6 | Nope, only a trial | $34.00 | High |
| fman | Nope, only a trial | €39 | Easy |
| DCommander | Nope, only a trial | $39.99 | Medium |
1. Commander One 
Commander One feels familiar if you’ve used FAR Manager and Midnight Commander. It’s packed with useful features you can easily access through the UI.
It works well with various network protocols (FTP/SFTP/FTPS, WebDAV) and cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon S3. You can even access the Terminal directly from the app and manage tasks in one place.
Top Features:
- Two-panel interface with drag-and-drop
- Easy toggle to show hidden files
- Open multiple folders in one window
- Advanced search with regular expression support
- Configurable hotkeys
- Browse inside packages like .jar, .apk, .ipa, .war
Pros:
- Android, MTP, and iOS compatibility
- Terminal emulator
- Supports various archive formats
- Highly customizable
Cons:
- No single-pane view
- Limited features in the free version
Price: Free for general use, PRO Edition is $29.99
Download: Commander One
2. ForkLift 4 
ForkLift 4 is focused on syncing, mass file handling, and background operations. It can sync two target folders automatically, even when ForkLift isn’t running, using something called Synclets. It also offers batch renaming, a feature worth noting.
Top Features:
- Mass file renaming
- Edit files on remote servers
- Sync and folder comparison
- Menu Bar widget for background work
Pros:
- Dual-pane interface
- Remote editing
- Intuitive UI
- Tagging for files
Cons:
- Requires payment
- Only on macOS
Price: Free trial, starts from $19.95 for a full license
Download: ForkLift 4
3. Path Finder 10 
Path Finder is great for casual users looking for effective improvements in file browsing. Features like the Drop Stack collect files from different directories and the File Transfer Queue’s progress trackers are neat.
Top Features:
- Advanced user rights with ACL lists
- Complete multi-pass file deletion
- OpenMeta file tagging
- Browser-like interface with tabs and bookmarks
- Modular design
Pros:
- Dual-pane and customizable interface
- Advanced file and folder operations
- Animated visualizer for files
- Advanced search
Cons:
- Occasional crashes
- Can be difficult for new users
- No free version, only a 30-day trial
Price: Free trial, yearly subscription is $29.95
Download: Path Finder
4. Nimble Commander 
Heavily customizable and powerful, Nimble Commander offers features like attribute editing, Sudo mode, and hex file viewing.
Top Features:
- Work in admin mode (sudo)
- Edit file ownership and attributes
- Classic look with adjustable text size and color
- View system information
Pros:
- Two-pane interface
- Terminal Emulator
- Easy navigation
- Connects to remote servers
Cons:
- Poor settings structure
- Can be tricky to use
Price: $24.99 on the App Store
Download: Nimble Commander
5. TotalFinder
TotalFinder adds features like tabs, colorful labels, dual-panel mode, and a hotkey for hidden files. It’s great for small tweaks to improve your Finder experience.
Top Features:
- Tabs in Finder
- Color labeling for files and folders
- Hotkeys for dual-panel browsing
Pros:
- Dual mode
- Intuitive UI
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Open Finder with hotkeys
Cons:
- Sometimes crashes after updates
- Manual activation needed for Apple Silicon support
Price: Free
Download: TotalFinder
6. XtraFinder 
XtraFinder offers minor upgrades like adjustable columns and a “copy queue” for multiple operations at once. It’s a decent Finder alternative for enhanced file operations.
Top Features:
- Window transparency
- Multiple panels with flexible width
- Parallel file operations and browsing
Pros:
- Tabbed and dual panel management
- Improved appearance
- Easy navigation
- Global hotkeys
Cons:
- Some features may be unstable
Price: Free trial, $4.99 for the full version
Download: XtraFinder
7. muCommander 
A clone of Midnight Commander, muCommander is quick and handles large file quantities well. It includes archive opening, checksum verification, and remote drive support.
Top Features:
- Manage credentials
- Access folders on the network or in the cloud
- Customizable UI
- Modify file access rights
Pros:
- Multiple tabs
- Customizable hotkeys
- Easy access to hidden files
- Various configuration options
Cons:
- Slow work
- Installation on Mac can be tricky
Price: Free and open-source
Download: Midnight Commander
8. CRAX Commander 
CRAX Commander has a dual-pane and tabbed interface. It can hide panels to free up screen space, offers advanced search, a built-in text editor, and network folder access.
Features:
- Highlights code syntax when editing text.
- Visual file highlighting for better clarity.
Pros:
- Supports tabs and bookmarks.
- Customizable view options.
- Works with FTP, SFTP, SMB, AFP.
- Advanced search for files and folders.
Cons:
- Pop-ups can be annoying.
- Takes a bit of time to get used to.
Price: $25.99 (with a free demo available)
Download: Check out CRAX Commander here
HoudahSpot 6 
HoudahSpot offers crazy detailed and precise searches on Mac. It lets you start broad and then narrow down your search with tons of criteria, targeting file names, metadata, or even file content.
Top Features:
- Detailed search criteria.
- Finds files based on metadata and internal text.
- Browse and manage found files.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Fast quick search field.
- Loads of search filters and options.
Cons:
- Best for advanced users.
- On the pricey side.
Price: $34.00 (try it for free)
Download: Get HoudahSpot 6 here
fman 
fman is simple and effective with just two main features: dual-pane browsing and a search index. It’s a minimalist solution that’s great if you don’t need much more than that.
Top Features:
- Suggests folders based on recent visits.
- View folders in two panels at once.
- Straightforward interface.
Pros:
- Super easy to use.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Tons of keyboard shortcuts.
- Variety of third-party plugins.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features.
- It’s a bit heavy on the wallet.
Price: €39
Download: Check it out here
DCommander
DCommander is a versatile app perfect for those who prefer two panels over the usual tabs or windows. It supports mass renaming, custom searches, and even lets you edit certain file types right in the app.
Top Features:
- Efficient file search suggestions.
- Dual panel viewing.
- Simple and straightforward.
Pros:
- Fast file viewing and editing.
- Advanced search capabilities.
- Easy keyboard navigation.
- FTP and SFTP support.
Cons:
- Not very beginner-friendly.
- Prone to occasional crashes.
- High price tag.
Price: Free 30-day trial, $39.99 for the license
Download: Find it here
How to Choose the Best Finder Alternative for Mac 
Here’s what to look for in a good Finder replacement:
- Easy-to-use UI for beginners.
- Flexible interface panels — show, hide, or customize them as needed.
- Supports batch renaming, remote file browsing, and backup functionality.
- Dual-pane layout at the minimum.
- Reliable performance, free of bugs.
Feature Comparison Table:
| Featured | Commander One | ForkLift 4 | Path Finder | Nimble Commander | TotalFinder | XtraFinder | muCommander | CRAX Commander | HoudahSpot | fman | DCommander |
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| Double Panel Mode |  |
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| File Preview | |
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| Search for Specific Files | |
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| Customizable Hotkeys | |
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| Archiving Files | |
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| Show Hidden Files | |
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| Price | $29.99 | $29.95 | $36 | $24.99 | $12 | $4.99 | Free | $19.99 | $34 | €39 | $14.99 |
Conclusion 
While Finder is a solid app, there are plenty of alternatives that offer unique features. With options like Commander One, you’ll get a mix of convenience and advanced tools. Ready to switch? Give some of these a try and see what fits your needs best!