Finder alternative: the list of best file managers for Mac

For those who lack Finder capabilities, Path Finder will certainly be a very useful program. This file management software follows the Finder ideology, significantly expanding its capabilities.

The program has a built-in FTP client, can replace the built-in Finder, works with tabs and bookmarks, can preview a large number of graphic and text files, manage processes, work with archives, change the appearance and properties of folders, install and uninstall applications, change combinations hotkeys, create and convert CD/DVD/Blueray images, etc. disks and much more.

Pros:

• a wide range of interface settings;
• optical disc recording function;
• the ability to create a new file with a mouse click;
• built-in mechanism Allume StuffIt.

Cons:

• Overloaded with functions. Some of them are repeated in different places in the program, others duplicate functions of the built-in Mac OS X utilities or are of dubious usefulness.

muCommander turned out to be a worthy representative of two-panel file management software. The app is fast, has good interface ergonomics, is good at processing large amounts of information promising to work smoothly in two windows simultaneously.

muCommander has all the functionality typical of file managers for working with the file system, such as copying, moving, deleting files and directories, renaming, creating directories, viewing the size, access rights, etc. In addition, the bookmark manager option provides a good overview. However, one of the conditions for running the program on your computer is the installation of Java 11 or later.

Pros:

• free software;
• supports ZIP, TAR, bZip, and gZip;
• ability to view directories in the form of a tree;
• create bookmarks for any directories.

Cons:

• doesn't remember settings;
• doesn’t show folders size.

fman is a two-pane file manager that displays the content of two different directories and just by using the Tab key you can quickly switch between panels. You can use fman to view directory contents, copy and move files/directories, mount external drives, and so on. This Mac Finder alternative works quickly and has an intuitive interface you will get aesthetic pleasure from working with.

The program's functionality can be extended using plugins created by third-party developers. A large number of plugins for fman are available, including those for working with zip and tarball archives, a more informative status bar, getting detailed information about file properties, and so on.

Pros:

• ability to add extensions;
• simple to use;
• cross-platform.

Cons:

• a bit slow to load and scroll through folders;
• no choice between dull-dark or fresh-light.

Nimble Commander - consumes a minimum amount of resources and provides instant response, working equally quickly with one window and dozens of them. The flexibility of this macOS X Finder alternative plays an important role, as thanks to which you can customize everything according to your wish.

Almost any (if not all) actions with files and additional tools are performed by using hotkeys, which is a great time saver and allows you to work as in the good old days. The developers did not try to please everyone at once but clearly focused on the target audience - advanced users.

Pros:

• convenient navigation;
• integration with Quick Look;
• integration with Spotlight;
• Terminal emulator.

Cons:

• savvy users oriented;
• can have problems with opening a link to network folders.

In general, DCommander knows its business and perfectly performs the tasks assigned to it. The interface of this Mac Finder replacement is practically no different from that in Total Commander: in the upper part there is a customizable toolbar, then there are two working windows with the ability to quickly select disks and information about the available space, and at the bottom, there is a panel with buttons for working on files.

Among the additional features, it is worth noting competent sorting, quick access to hidden files and folders, FTP support, reading, and working with archives (ZIP, JAR, EAR, WAR, XPI, and ODT) and tabs.

Pros:

• has a full-screen mode with supports Retina displays;
• quick viewing and editing at the click of a button;
• connecting to FTP servers, and more.

Cons:

• the functionality is not enough for advanced users.

Another Finder alternative or would be better to say add-on for Finder is XtraFinder designed to expand the capabilities of this application. The user has the opportunity to work with tabs, turn on and off the two-panel mode, create additional hotkey combinations, and much more - the number of additional features is quite large.

XtraFinder's main merit is to make Finder a real working tool without adding any special gluttony to it. This is an amazing utility that can really expand the functionality of the Finder at times while remaining invisible and familiar.

Pros:

• allows you to assign many shortcuts;
• ability to pin opened window;
• support for hotkeys;

Cons:

• files aren't shown in some folders;
• can have some difficulties with recent macOS versions.