A file manager is your gateway to manipulating the file system in Linux and most other operating systems. File managers come in a ton of flavors, with there being both GUI and CLI-based options to choose from.
With so many options, it might be difficult for a newcomer to pick a suitable file manager. As such, we will list a few of the best file managers for Linux below.
Top 5 file managers for Linux
1) Dolphin
Dolphin is the default KDE file manager, and as such comes pre-installed with its desktop environment. Dolphin is fast, extensible and jam-packed with features, making it an easy recommendation.
It can also use plugins, and should be the first file manager most users would encounter – given the popularity of KDE Plasma.
2) GNOME Files/Nautilus
Nautilius (or GNOME Files) is the default file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. Despite its rather simple user interface, it comes loaded with features and feels somewhat more accessible when compared to Dolphin.
However, GNOME Files does lack a few customization features – which might make Nemo a better pick.
3) Thunar
Thunar was originally developed for the XFCE desktop environment, but can also be directly used on other DEs, as well as window managers. Thunar is a lot snappier, and consumes far fewer resources – in addition to using the GNOME accessibility toolkit.
A direct consequence of its lightweight nature is its pronounced lack of features, atleast when compared to the prior entries in this list.
4) PCManFM
PCManFM is a dead simple, lightweight file manager. It was originally developed as a replacement for Nautilus and Thunar, and follows the same design philosophy. PCManFM is extremely lightweight and works great on tiling WMs, such as Sway or i3.
This makes it a great addition for lower end systems, albeit at the cost of features.
5) Ranger
Unlike the other entries within this list, Ranger is a CLI-based file manager. This means that it must be accessed from within a terminal, which could be off-putting for some. Regardless, it is an incredibly powerful tool that is also quite customizable.
