Mac Finder – Alternative Apps (2024)

Macintosh Finder

It’s hard to imagine macOS without Finder, but it’s not the only file manager on Mac. While you can get a lot of use out of Finder, it only includes the bare necessities – file browsing, search, and operations, such as copying or pasting. There are other tasks which you could resolve quicker with the help of a better app. We’ll present some examples, and maybe you’ll discover a better Finder Mac app.

File Finder Mac Tools in 2024

Users situation:

I routinely have to work in directories containing tens or hundreds of thousands of files and, for some tasks, it’s easier to use a GUI file explorer than command line. I know there are a bunch of feature rich finder alternatives out there, but can anyone recommend a high performance alternative? — Reddit

Comparative table of the Best Alternatives to Finder

NameFree version Price Ease of use
Commander Oneyes$29.99Easy
ForkLift 4no, only trialfrom $19.95Medium
Path Finder 10no, only trial$29.95Medium
Nimble Commanderno, only trial$24.99High
TotalFinderyesfreeEasy
XtraFinderno, only trial$4.99Easy
muCommanderyesfreeEasy
CRAX Commanderno$25.99Medium
HoudahSpot 6no, only trial$34.00High
fmanno, only trial€39Easy
DCommanderno, only trial$39.99Medium

1.Commander One

Commander One - the best Finder alternative

Commander One provides a familiar experience, reminiscent of FAR Manager and Midnight Commander. It’s worthy of being called the best file manager for Mac since the abundant useful features are well-arranged and easily accessible in the UI.

Commander one is suited for work with network protocols (FTP/SFTP/FTPS, WebDAV) and even cloud drives, including Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon S3. Thus, it’s an excellent Finder alternative for remote file access. You can access the Terminal directly from the app, and manage archives and tasks in the same window.

Top Features:

  • Composite two-panel interface with drag-and-drop controls
  • An easy toggling option to show hidden files
  • The ability to open multiple folders in a single window
  • Advanced search with regular expression support
  • Configurable hotkeys
  • Browse inside packages like .jar, .apk, .ipa, .war
Pros:
  • Works with Android, MTP and iOS devices
  • Terminal emulator
  • Extensive support for various archive formats
  • Customizable visually and with hotkeys
Cons:
  • No single-pane view
  • Limited features in a free version

Price: free for general use, PRO Edition costs $29.99

Download: Commander One

2.ForkLift 4

ForkLift 3 as a Finder alternative for Mac

ForkLift 4 is a file manager with a focus on syncing, mass file handling, and background operations. This macOS Finder substitute can automatically sync two target folders. This can be done in the background, even when FL3 isn’t running, by using Synclets.

Alternatively, it can compare the folders and show any disparities. Batch renaming is another useful feature that is rarely available in software like Finder. Like some other file browsers, ForkLift can transfer files over SFTP, FTP, and WebDAV.

Top Features:

  • Mass file renaming
  • Edit files on remote servers
  • Sync and folder comparison
  • A widget on the Menu Bar that works in the background
Pros:
  • Dual-pane interface
  • Remote editing
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Ability to organize the documents and files with tags
Cons:
  • Software requiring payment
  • Only available on macOS

Price: free trial, prices start from $19.95 for the full license

Download: ForkLift 4

3.Path Finder 10

Path Finder 10 is better Finder Mac

Path Finder is a comfortable Mac Finder alternative, with its features being perfectly suitable for casual users that want simple, but effective improvements in their file browsing. For instance, the Drop Stack is a temporary copy buffer that can collect files from different directories before subjecting them to the same operation – whether it’s copying or moving.

And the progress trackers in the File Transfer Queue are also convenient, with the option to view them in a separate window or place a widget on the toolbar. And yet, it still has its share of advanced functionality for power users.

Top Features:

  • Advanced user rights management 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 function
Cons:
  • Occasional crashes
  • Can be difficult for new users to learn
  • No free version, only 30-day trial

Price: free trial, yearly subscription is for $29.95

Download: Path Finder

4.Nimble Commander

Nimble Commander as a Finder replacement

It’s hard to view Nimble Commander as a definite, singular experience, because it’s heavily customizable, both visually and functionally. The visuals vary wildly, from different font sizes and interface colors, to completely imitating the old text-based look. But there are other distinctions that cement it as a better Finder for Mac. You get to enjoy powerful features like attribute editing, Sudo mode, and hex file viewing.

Top Features:

  • Work in admin mode (sudo) without having to use the Terminal
  • Edit file ownership and other attributes
  • Switch to the classic look, adjust text size and color
  • View system information
Pros:
  • Two-pane interface
  • Terminal Emulator
  • Easy navigation
  • Connects to remote FTP/SFTP/WebDAV/Dropbox servers
Cons:
  • Poor settings structure
  • Can be tricky in use

Price: $24.99 on the App Store

Download: Nimble Commander

5.TotalFinder

Open Finder on Mac with TotalFinder

This plugin for Finder provides some clear advantages, such as tabs, colorful labels, dual-panel mode, and the ability to display hidden files with a hotkey. Some additions, such as the Cut hotkey, address older issues that have already been fixed in the new versions. Overall, it’s a great pick if you don’t need any significant improvements, just small tweaks to get more enjoyment out of everyday Finder use.

Top Features:

  • Tabs in Finder
  • Color labelling for files and folders
  • Hotkeys for dual-panel browsing
Pros:
  • Dual mode
  • Intuitive UI
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
  • Allows you to open the Finder with hotkeys
Cons:
  • Sometimes crashes after updates
  • Enabling Apple Silicon support requires manual activation

Price: free

Download: TotalFinder

6.XtraFinder

XtraFinder - Finder replacement Mac

XtraFinder continues the trend of minor upgrades, with adjustable columns and something called a “copy queue”. This feature supports multiple operations at the same time, letting you browse, copy and move more files, even while there are other operations going on at the moment. This alone makes it a decent Finder alternative. Window transparency is another unique addition most users will appreciate.

Top Features:

  • Window transparency
  • Multiple panels with flexible width
  • Parallel file operations and browsing
Pros:
  • Tabbed and dual panel management
  • Improved appearance
  • Easy to navigate
  • Global hotkeys
Cons:
  • Some features may be unstable

Price: free trial, $4.99 for the full version

Download: XtraFinder

7.muCommander

muCommander - is one of the best OS X Finder replacement

This Midnight Commander clone is quick and capable of handling large amounts of files. The usual features are all here – archive opening, checksum verification, the ability to add remote drives over FTP, HTTP, or other protocols, toolbar customization, and configurable hotkeys.

The account manager is a unique touch. While the app does require you to install Java, it’s well worth it, and serves as an excellent Finder replacement.

Top Features:

  • Can manage credentials
  • Access folders on the network or in the cloud
  • Change the UI to suit your needs
  • Modify file access rights
Pros:
  • Multiple tabs
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Easy access to hidden files
  • Various configuration options
Cons:
  • Slow work
  • Installation on a Mac might be troublesome

Price: free and open-source

Download: Midnight Commander

8.CRAX Commander

CRAX Commander is the top Finder replacement

A combination of dual panes and tabs is always versatile in a file finder Mac app, and CRAX Commander is no different. Most panels and bars can be hidden at any time, to free up more screen space and enhance visibility. Advanced search and the built-in text editor are ever more useful, and CRAX can access folders over the network as well. As a small bonus, files and folders are highlighted with different colors according to their type.

Top Features:

  • Two panes with bookmarks and tabs
  • Text editor that highlights code syntax
  • Visual file highlighting for higher clarity
Pros:
  • Tabs & Bookmarks
  • Configurable view
  • Supports FTP, SFTP, SMB, AFP
  • Enhanced searching for files and folders
Cons:
  • Annoying pop-ups
  • A little tricky to use

Price: $ $25.99 with a free demo

Download: CRAX Commander

9.HoudahSpot 6

HoudahSpot 6 as file Finder Mac alternative

HoudahSpot presents the most detailed, precise search we’ve ever seen in a Mac Finder alternative. It allows you to start with a broad query and narrow it down with a collection of various criteria. The search terms can be targeted at file names, metadata, or even file contents. When you aren’t searching, your files can be browsed as usual.

Top Features:

  • Directed search with lots of criteria to specify
  • Finds files based on their internal text and metadata
  • Browse and manipulate the files you’ve found
Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • Quick search field
  • Plenty of search filters and features
Cons:
  • More suited for advanced users
  • Pricey app

Price: $34.00, can be tried for free

Download: HoudahSpot 6

10.fman

fman - Finder alternative for Mac

fman has two features: dual-pane browsing and a search index. Nonetheless, it’s a popular solution – sometimes, simplicity is preferable. There really isn’t much more. But if the two-column design and the search function prove sufficient, you can use it as a macOS Finder alternative.

Top Features:

  • Search suggests folders on recent visits
  • View folder on two panels at once
  • Simple, no frills
Pros:
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Compatible with various platforms
  • Wide range of keyboard shortcuts
  • Variety of third-party plugins for installation
Cons:
  • Not many advanced features
  • Heavy price

Price: €39

Download: fman

11.DCommander

DCommander as alternative to Mac Finder

It’s an app that anyone can comfortably use instead of Mac Finder. Two panels are better than one, and users will find this feature convenient in comparison to window-based or tab-based interfaces. Mass renaming and custom search provide a faster way to complete daily tasks. Some file types can even be edited within DCommander itself – a way to avoid clutter and confusion.

The file manager is network-ready, with FTP, SFTP, and SCP capabilities included out of the box. It can do a lot of things, as long as you’re willing to pay $14.99 for the license.

Top Features:

  • Search suggests folders on recent visits
  • View folder on two panels at once
  • Simple, no frills
Pros:
  • Quick viewing and editing
  • Advanced search
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Seamless FTP and SFTP connections
Cons:
  • Not very user friendly
  • Occasional crashes
  • High price

Price: free 30-day trial version, $39.99 for the license

Download: DCommander

How to Choose the Best File Alternative for Mac

Commander One

The following features are something you should expect from a good Finder substitute:

  • An easy-to-learn UI which is forgiving to new users
  • The ability to show, hide, and modify interface panels
  • Batch renaming, remote network file browsing, backup functionality
  • Two panes at the very least
  • Good performance, no bugs
Top FeaturesCommander OneForkLift 4Path FinderNimble CommanderTotalFinderXtraFindermuCommanderCRAX CommanderHoudahSpotfmanDCommander
Double Panel Mode
File Encryption
Buil-in FTP Client
File Preview
Search for Specific Files
Customizable Hotkeys
Archiving Files
Show Hidden Files
Price$29.99$29.95$36$24.99$12$4.99free$19.99$34$39$14.99

Conclusion

While Finder is a powerful app, it gets surpassed by many alternatives on macOS, many of which offer unique and interesting functionality. If you start looking, replacing Finder will only be a question of time. If you’re wondering about the kind of app you should choose, your best bet is Commander One or similar software, because they offer a blend of convenience and advanced capabilities.

FAQ

Sometimes, Finder may freeze, neither launching nor responding. In that case, ending the process and restarting it may fix the issue. Press “Command + Option + Esc”, find the Finder process, and restart it.

To set ForkLift as the default Mac Finder app, change the NSFileViewer system variable in the terminal. Use the “defaults” command.

Relaunching the Finder process in your “Cmd+Opt+Esc” menu can solve most problems with the app. Just open the Task Manager, locate Finder and reset. If you want to avoid similar issues, try a Mac Finder alternative.

Commander One is a Finder alternative for Mac. It has a dual-pane interface, supports three view modes, and offers all the features you need for perfect file management.

Alternatives to Path Finder for Mac are Commander One, ForkLift, Nimble Commander, TotalFinder, XtraFinder, muCommander, CRAX Commander, etc.

I am an internationally certified Freelance Technical Author/Embedded System Developer. I briefly studied computer science before starting a career in freelance software development. My expertise extends into Mac and iOS app development. Having worked extensively with iOS technologies, I’ve contributed to projects ranging from app development to system optimization, gaining a reputation as a versatile and knowledgeable professional in the tech industry. Fascination with Apple products eventually led me to pursue a career in technical writing. My commitment to delivering accurate and accessible content laid the foundation for my success. Now I'm actively engaged in the development and improvement of projects related to virtual COM ports as well as working on USB over Ethernet technology, Embedded Systems and Multimedia Software. I follow tech-related YouTubers, and frequently watch their webinars and lectures to expand my knowledge and stay updated on upcoming major changes in the digital world. Besides, I use online platforms that offer valuable information for tech writing. I write on varied topics including Electronics, Computers, Technology, Mac software and Apple devices.