Love it or hate it, Finder is the default file manager for OS X. But there are other choices out there, and this article offers reviews, screenshots and links to download 10 different alternatives.
Did I miss your favorite file manager in this list? By all means please feel free to leave a comment below and I’ll update this list (come on – the windows commenters have suggested a lot!)
| Name | Cost (USD) | Demo version available | Universal Binary | Stars (out of 5) | Detailed review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Path Finder | $34.95 | yes (21 days) | yes | ***½ | here |
| Disk Order | $22.57 | yes (30 days) | yes | *** | here |
| FileBrowse | $25.00 | yes (30 days) | yes | **** | here |
| FileRun | $??.?? | no | unknown | n/a | here |
| 3DOSX | free | n/a | no | ** | here |
| RAGE Macintosh Explorer | $15.95 | yes | not yet, but works w/ Rosetta | **½ | here |
| Xfolders | free | n/a | yes | **** | here |
| muCommander | free | n/a | no | **** | here |
| Liquifile | $9.90 | yes (30 days) | yes | **½ | here |
| Xfile | $79.00 | no | no | * | here |
Requirements: Version 4.5 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, there is an older version available for 10.3 and 10.2, however that version will no longer be updated.
Download URL: http://www.cocoatech.com/download.php
Features in a nutshell:
New Features:
Thoughts:
Path Finder is by far the most “popular” alternative to Finder for OS X. It has many, many features that you won’t find in Finder (top of the list would be tabs, desktop icon changes and the ‘drop stack’). The Path Finder menu item/button is also a helpful feature (see image below).
It uses more system resources than most of the other File Managers outlined in this article, and isn’t above the occasional crash. It does share the same “3 view” option as Finder (list, columns, icons), but the addition of tabs helps make for a far less cluttered desktop.
Being the 2nd most expensive File Manager reviewed, it’s a good thing that there’s a 21 day fully-functional demo available.
Screenshots:
 lots of commands |
 column view with tabs |
 Path Finder menu icon |
 new desktop ‘right-click’ menu |
 Path Finder prefs |
 more Path finder prefs |
 changed desktop icons |
Requirements: OSX 10.3 and higher, there is an older version for 10.2 that won’t be updated and has fewer features
Download URL: http://www.likemac.ru/english/download.shtml
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
Disk Order is pretty nice. The built in FTP client is helpful, the built-in preview works well and mix of Mac native and Norton-Commander styles blend really well. Its biggest drawback is that Xfolders is very similar, but free.
Screenshots:
 Disk Order default view |
 Disk Order with FTP |
 Disk Order prefs |
 Disk Order nag screen |
 Disk Order Extras |
 Disk Order Commands |
 Disk Order (running a command) |
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4.0 and later
Download URL: http://www.filebrowse.com/download.html
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
FileBrowse strikes me as a ‘love it or hate it’ File Manager. It’s quite different than the others in this list, as it has far fewer features. But… what it lacks in features, it makes up for by perfecting the the existing ones. Plus, at the (early) version of 1.0.2, who knows what the future may have in store.
Arguably the best ‘feature’ of FileBrowse is its unique, minimalist but elegant interface. FileBrowse can show thumbnails for many file types, not only for images. And folder icons even show the items inside, so you don’t have to open a folder to see its contents. Keyboard navigation within FileBrowse takes some getting used to. Previewing images at different sizes is a snap, and previewing multimedia (music, movies) is just as easy. Give it a try, but don’t blame me if you don’t like it.
Screenshots:
 FileBrowse is pretty |
 FileBrowse is pretty 2 |
 view the contents of folders |
 huge preview |
 play, preview or open media |
Requirements: who knows, it’s not out yet
Download URL: n/a – but the home page is: http://www.filerun.info/
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
I really only included this one because I’ve been watching this website for updates since Jan of 2006. It was supposed to be available for download in Feb of 2006, and still isn’t. It’s a shame, because it looks like it could be really great.
Screenshots:
 FileRun – doesn’t exist, but looks pretty |
 FileRun |
 FileRun again |
 FileRun LastOne |
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher, and an OpenGL hardware accelerated video card (supporting OpenGL 1.2 or higher)
Download URL: http://www.acm.uiuc.edu/macwarriors/projects/oldprojects/3dosx/download.html
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
Barely worked for me. A neat concept that was either very poorly executed, or not at all intended for a MacBook Pro and/or Tiger. It reminded me a bit of Sphere, but I used Sphere for at least an hour longer than I did 3DOSX.
Screenshots:
 3DOSX is a neat concept |
 Too bad it doesn’t really work (for me) |
 3DOSX prefs |
 3DOSX apps view |
Requirements: OS X, OS 9
Download URL: http://www.ragesw.com/products/explorer/download/
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
As the name suggests, Macintosh Explorer is what might happen if Finder and Windows Explorer had an ugly child. OK not ugly, but not very exciting either. At least it has tabs. It responded quite slowly compared to the other File Managers.
The Filter drawer was the best feature I found. It allows you to create and save filters so with one click you can find the files you’re looking for in a given folder.
Screenshots:
 Default Macintosh Explorer with preview |
 Default Macintosh Explorer |
 Macintosh Explorer prefs |
 Macintosh Explorer File list |
 Macintosh Explorer Filter drawer |
 Macintosh Explorer File Info |
Requirements: Apple PowerPC or Intel based Mac with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger
Download URL: http://www.kai-heitkamp.de/cms_en/main.php?content…
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
Xfolders is one of the three reviewed File Managers that I haven’t yet removed from my Mac. It’s very easy to navigate using just the Keyboard, and all mouse actions are exactly as you’d expect. If you’re a fan of the Norton Commander style of File Manager, you’ll appreciate the Xfolders layout (though maybe not as much as muCommander).
Compared to all of the other File Managers, Xfolders uses a very small amount of system resources. The ability to completely customize the Toolbar is a nice bonus.
Screenshots:
 Default Xfolders view |
 Xfolders Spotlight add-on |
 customize Xfolders toolbar |
 Xfolders new folder |
 Xfolders prefs |
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 and up
Download URL: http://www.mucommander.com/#download
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
muCommander is a Norton Commander-lovers dream come true for OS X. Also, being cross-platform, you can use this File Manager on multiple OS’s (if you’re that kind of person). Supporting FTP, SFTP and HTTP is great (HTTP is a very neat feature). Smallest system resource footprint of all the tested File Managers.
Screenshots:
 Default muCommander view |
 Use muCommander to download files via http |
 muCommander prefs |
 run a command |
 muCommander FTP/SFTP etc setup |
Requirements: OS 10.4 or higher
Download URL: http://www.liquefile.com/ (then click the download link)
Features in a nutshell:
Even the folks at liquifile.com seem to have trouble explaining their product. They suggest you watch this video (in German) to understand its features. Liquifile is based on some concepts and technologies (like liquid browsing or the scatter tree) that originate from the “iworld” or “infoverse” project.
Thoughts:
It’s neat. I guess. I won’t be using it any time soon, but I suppose there are folks out there who might adore this File Manager. Give it a try, it’s unique at least.
Screenshots:
 use the far right slider to adjust size |
 some file options |
 bubble size and location matters |
 folder view |
 Liquifile prefs |
Requirements: OS X, I think.
Download URL: http://rixstep.com/4/0/buy/index.shtml
Features in a nutshell:
Thoughts:
Seriously, $79 for a single license and there’s no demo/trial? We’re supposed to decide if we want to buy this software based on just three screenshots? Get real. I’m not sure that it deserves even one star, but I like the idea of a 40 KB executable.
Screenshots:
 Xfile looks pretty nice |
 uh ok |
 delete stuff |
That Liquifile is not in Italian :/
Then, After seeing all those … I should love my normal Finder … it is far better ..
Running any of those will just take up more ram on your system. Anyway, the best File browser is built write into OS X… No it’s not the Finder. Its the Terminal.
KodeK,
Correct – the movie that shows the Liquifile features is in Italian.
Your comment on Xfile is a bit unfair:
Seriously, $79 for a single license and theres no demo/trial?
For those 79 damn dollars you get a lot more than Xfile alone. Xfile is part of a much larger package. Some of it is great stuff. See for yourself at:
That’s a great list, Xfolders really deserves the 4 stars you gave it.
Can someone please make me a spatial finder? PLEASE??!!
Liquifile seems a bit out of place since it’s menat to be used on a handheld device or at least a device with pressure-sensitive display/tablet.
1. I have been using Pathfinder for the last 6+ months and find it [now] indispensable.
2. In the beginning of my trial of Pathfinder, I found that I just did not “get it”. It took me at least a month to really appreciate it.
3. I found that the 21-day demo clock behaves strangely. For me, it was about a 45-day demo and I still had time left.
@ross: KodeK is right, ross. the Liquifile movie is not in italian. it is german. (i know it, because i took it
@all: …sorry for the bad quality by the way. there will be a new one soon that is also in english. for all of you who want to know more about Liquifile in english: read the readme. we are working on better documentaion right now.
@ross: can you provide a link to the new movie, when it is done? i think that could be a great help since it is not very easy to understand Liquifile without it.
@graham: what is your ultimate “spatial finder”? can you describe it? that could be a help to understand you better….and it could be very interesing…
Carsten -
I got your note via email – I’ve changed the info to state the movie is in German (how did I get it into my head that it was Italian??) I would be more than happy to update w/ a link to the english movie as soon as it’s ready, and update the review w/ the next version of Liquifile as well.
I’m sick of 1990’s style file browsers period. Cramming in more buttons or designing a really slick looking interface are just not going to cut it. What we need is a radically different approach to file management. What I would like to see is something like http://creativebits.org/mac_os_x/desk_-_rethinking_the_finder
or a more mature implementation of http://blacktree.com/apps/deviant/index.html Basically, what I want is a desktop that IS the finder. When I click on a folder on the desktop, I want the desktop itself to reveal the contents of the folder. The ability to open a separate finder window could be retained, but basically I want to do all of my file management right in the desktop.
@Niklas: thats not totally correct. there are many LiquidBrowsing types. some for mobile and some for other application areas. Liquifile is one of the normal ones…well…and it’s not running on a mobile device, does it?
. well, Liquifile is implemented in native ObjectiveC. there is no pressure sensitive device running OSX yet (sadly).
(well…let’s better say not YET
Have a look at Backdrop Folders !
With Backdrop Folders, you can open “views” of your folders at the desktop level and interact with them.
These views remain visible when you reveal the desktop with Exposé, which allows you to pick a file or to do a drag and drop operation in no time, without the hassle of having to switch to the Finder and navigate through your disk hierarchy.
Backdrop folders is definitely a step in the right direction. But i want something like icon view on the desktop. Backdrop folders is like contextual menus on steroids, but what i want is a “finder” that is indistinguishable from the desktop. Thanks for the tip though!
One of the things I don’t like about the current finder is that you can’t view id3 tag information right in the list view. Which of these Finder alternatives offers views of id3 tags for mp3s?
Sadly, the FileRun web site seems to have gone severely “minimalist” in the last few days. There’s nothing left at http://filerun.info/ or http://filerun.de except one tantalising icon.
Looks like RIP, I’m afraid…
Dave
Dave -
Noooo!!!
You’re right. Damn. Well hey – lets be optimistic and instead of thinking it’s RIP, we’ll think it’s “teasing us just before the launch”.
The review of XFile is far from unfair. $79 is ridiculously over-priced. When all your competition doesn’t even approach your price, your app is over-priced. Regardless of what YOU as the developer feel it’s worth.
Even the $49.95 price for Path Finder is over-priced.
I would like to know what other two you kept.
Maybe it’s time for someone to start a Finder Replacement GNU SourceForge project?
@Dave: I’ve used, and own Path Finder, but the entire concept of user interface has to be re-thought. It is not as simply as a Path Finder replacement, rather, it might amount to an entire OS replacement. Nonetheless, neither Finder nor Path Finder adequate. Unfortunate, although I study CS, OS design is not my specialty and I plan getting my PhD in the ‘overcrowded’ field of Classics.
This topic does need to be addressed further, user interface in any operating system. Neither OS X nor Vista (ack) is approaching acceptable–although, OS X, coming from an retired Windows XP user and linux user, is much better but no panacea.
Yes, I will buy Leopard.
It is impossible not to make a grammar or spelling error while posting!
Please do tell, though, what were the other 2 Finder ‘replacements’ you kept.
Sorry about being redundant, but I am curious.
I wonder what error I made in this post?
This is one super duper site
Hi there, I must say that you have done a wonderful job on your site and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here, I thank you for sharing it with me…
You have a great website. Keep up the good work.
I found a new one called Forklift.
There are some screeshots at http://www.binarynights.com
Is there anyway to get a hold of the demo to Xfile? Want a small replacement. This seems perfect! Even a very old version would be great!
please send demo of xfile or acp to somenkeps@hotmail.com
Xfile $79? You read well. The ACP costs $79 and that’s 50+ Cocoa apps and another 30 command line progs and a text and web services prog. Xfile is only one program. It’s also available in a smaller package. ftp://rixstep.com/pub/Xfile.tar.bz2
Xfolders has good unified look but perhaps carried too far. As for functionality it’s totally lame.
Xfile is way overpriced, whether for its stand-alone or “package” versions. Besides that, it’s supported only by a single and often rude developer (check his “Fairly” posting above). Try Pathfinder (and I don’t work for them), or one of the other alternatives. While Xfile is fast, no amount of speed helps with essentially fly-by-night ops.
Fairly -
At the time I wrote this (October 8th, 2006) there was absolutely no info on the Xfile web site that stated otherwise. If you are in fact the Xfile developer then I commend you on hugely fixing/updating your site. I assure you, there was NO info on rixstep.com other than the 3 screenshots I borrowed, and a “buy it now” link. And nowhere did it say anything about a $45 version that didn’t include the entire ACP. Now that I can try it, I’ll give it a download and update the review accordingly. Cheers,
Ross
I second the suggestion to have ForkLift included.
I read about this one a while back and it looks very promising.
Features (as per their site): Dual pane view, preview info/view, ftp, Zip, GZip, Tar, Rar integration.
$29.95, 15-day demo, http://www.binarynights.com
it is at version 1.0.1 (6/2007).
I will be giving it a look-see.
For some reason this post seems to attract more comment spam than any other on simplehelp. So I’m disabling comments to to avoid the hassle of having to review possible comment spam. If you have something you’d really like to add to this discussion, by all means please use the Contact Form and I’ll manually add your comment. Cheers!
Ross