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Files alternatives

Files compared with 6 alternatives: Directory Opus, Total Commander, ForkLift, Path Finder, Fences and 1 more.

Files has a free plan. Paid plans start at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price). 1 of the 6 alternatives is free or has a free plan. 5 more offer a free trial.

6 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
FilesThis toolFree plan · from $12.99 one-timeYesWindows
Directory OpusFree trial · from $89 one-timeTrial onlyWindows
Total CommanderFree trial · from €42 one-timeTrial onlyWindows, Android
ForkLiftFree trial · from $19.95 one-timeTrial onlymacOS
Path FinderFree trial · from $2.95/moTrial onlymacOS
FencesFree trial · from $9.99/yrTrial onlyWindows
TeraCopyFree plan · from $34.95 one-timeYesmacOS, Windows

How each one differs from Files

  1. Directory Opus

    Highly configurable file manager that replaces Windows Explorer

    • Directory Opus starts at $89 AUD one-time for a Single licence (Australian dollars). Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan. Directory Opus does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Directory Opus can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Windows users who want a more configurable replacement for Explorer

    Directory Opus vs FilesDirectory Opus pricing and details

  2. Total Commander

    Two-pane file manager for Windows with FTP and archive tools

    • Total Commander starts at €42 one-time purchase, plus VAT where charged (Windows licence). Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan. Total Commander does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Total Commander lists an Android app.
    • Total Commander can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Windows users who manage many files and prefer two panels to Explorer

    Total Commander vs FilesTotal Commander pricing and details

  3. 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). Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan. ForkLift does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only ForkLift lists a macOS app.
    • Only Files lists a Windows app.
    • ForkLift can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who manage files on servers and cloud storage as well as local disks

    ForkLift vs FilesForkLift pricing and details

  4. 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. Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan. Path Finder does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Path Finder lists a macOS app.
    • Only Files lists a Windows app.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.

    Suits: Mac users who find Finder limiting and want two panes

    Path Finder vs FilesPath Finder pricing and details

  5. Fences

    Windows desktop organizer that groups icons into shaded areas

    • Fences starts at $9.99 per year (Single, 1 Year Subscription). Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Files has a free plan. Fences does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Fences can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.
    • Files also covers file compression.

    Suits: Windows users whose desktop is crowded with shortcuts and files

    Fences vs FilesFences pricing and details

  6. TeraCopy

    File copy and move tool for Windows with checksum verification

    • TeraCopy starts at $34.95 one-time purchase (Pro license, personal use). Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price).
    • Only TeraCopy lists a macOS app.
    • TeraCopy can be bought with a one-time purchase.
    • Files is open source, according to its own site.
    • Files also covers file compression.

    Suits: Large or unattended transfers that should not stop at the first error

    TeraCopy vs FilesTeraCopy pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in Files

  • Windows only; the Microsoft Store listing requires Windows 10 version 19041.0 or higher.
  • The Microsoft Store version costs $12.99. The free version is installed with the classic installer or a PowerShell command.
  • Remote connections cover FTP and FTPS only; the docs say SFTP is not currently supported.
  • The FAQ acknowledges memory leaks that can make memory use build up over long sessions.
Files pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to Files?

The alternatives to Files in this directory are Directory Opus, Total Commander, ForkLift, Path Finder, Fences and TeraCopy. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Files.

Is there a free alternative to Files?

Yes. TeraCopy has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which Files alternatives work on macOS?

The Files listing does not include a macOS app. ForkLift, Path Finder and TeraCopy list one.

Which Files alternatives work on Android?

The Files listing does not include an Android app. Total Commander lists one.

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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