Alternatives · Utilities
Default Folder X alternatives
Default Folder X compared with 4 alternatives: Path Finder, ForkLift, Yoink and Hazel.
Default Folder X is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license). None of the alternatives has a free plan. 4 more offer a free trial.
4 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Default Folder XThis tool | Free trial · from $39.95 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Path Finder | Free trial · from $2.95/mo | Trial only | macOS |
| ForkLift | Free trial · from $19.95 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Yoink | Free trial · from $8.99 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Hazel | Free trial · from $42 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
How each one differs from Default Folder X
- Free trial · from $2.95/mo
Path Finder
Dual-pane file manager for Mac, built as a Finder alternative
- Path Finder starts at $2.95 per month (subscription), or $29.95 per year. Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Default Folder X can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- Path Finder also covers file sync.
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who find Finder limiting and want two panes
- Free trial · from $19.95 one-time
ForkLift
Dual-pane file manager and file transfer client for macOS
- ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates). Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who manage files on servers and cloud storage as well as local disks
- Free trial · from $8.99 one-time
Yoink
Drag-and-drop shelf for files and snippets on the Mac
- Yoink starts at $8.99 one-time purchase. Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Yoink also covers clipboard manager.
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users who drag files between windows, spaces and full-screen apps
- Free trial · from $42 one-time
Hazel
Rule-based automatic file organization for the Mac
- Hazel starts at $42 one-time purchase (single-user license). Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license).
- Hazel also covers workflow automation and disk cleanup.
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
Suits: Mac users whose Downloads and Desktop folders fill up with unsorted files
Limits worth knowing in Default Folder X
- macOS only: version 6 runs on macOS 10.13 through 27, and macOS 10.10 to 10.12 need the older version 5.6.6.
- There is no free version; after the 30-day trial a $39.95 license is required.
- A license covers updates until the next major release, which the vendor says typically comes every 5 to 7 years; upgrades after that are paid.
- Licenses are per user, not per computer, so each additional person needs a license of their own.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Default Folder X?
The alternatives to Default Folder X in this directory are Path Finder, ForkLift, Yoink and Hazel. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Default Folder X.
Is there a free alternative to Default Folder X?
None of the alternatives listed here has a free plan. Path Finder, ForkLift, Yoink and Hazel offer a free trial.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 6, 2026 to Oct 9, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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