Alternatives · Utilities
Explorer++ alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded Explorer++ alternative is Files (2.8 GPA). It's also the best free one.
Explorer++ compared with 5 alternatives: Files, One Commander, Q-Dir, FreeCommander and XYplorer.
Explorer++ is free to use. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer++This tool | Free | Free | Windows |
| Files | Free plan · from $12.99 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| One Commander | Free plan · from $30 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Q-Dir | Free | Free | Windows |
| FreeCommander | Free plan · from €10 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| XYplorer | Free trial · from $34.95 one-time | Trial only | Windows |
How each one differs from Explorer++
Files
Open-source file manager for Windows with tabs and dual pane
- Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
- Files also covers file compression.
Suits: Windows users who want tabs, dual pane and tags in a file manager
One Commander
Dual-pane Windows file manager with Miller columns, free for home use
- One Commander starts at $30 one-time, per named user.
- One Commander can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Windows 10 and 11 users who want Miller columns in a file manager
Q-Dir
Four-pane Windows file explorer, free for home and business use
- Q-Dir is free.
Suits: Windows users who move files between several folders at once
FreeCommander
Dual-pane Windows file manager, free 32-bit and paid 64-bit
- FreeCommander starts at €10 one-time download of the 64-bit version, excluding VAT.
- FreeCommander can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- FreeCommander also covers file compression.
Suits: Windows users who want a free dual-pane alternative to Explorer
XYplorer
Portable tabbed file manager for Windows with scripting
- XYplorer starts at $34.95 per user, one-time, with 1 year of free upgrades.
- XYplorer has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike Explorer++.
- XYplorer can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Windows power users who want a tabbed, scriptable replacement for File Explorer
Limits worth knowing in Explorer++
- Windows only, with 32-bit, 64-bit and ARM64 builds.
- The home page lists version 1.4.0 and a copyright of 2023, so releases are infrequent.
- A plugin system is described only as planned or in development on the site's blog.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to Explorer++?
The alternatives to Explorer++ in this directory are Files, One Commander, Q-Dir, FreeCommander and XYplorer. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Explorer++.
Is there a free alternative to Explorer++?
Yes. Q-Dir is free to use. Files, One Commander and FreeCommander have a free plan alongside paid ones.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 9, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.
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