Alternatives · Utilities
ForkLift alternatives
ForkLift compared with 7 alternatives: Path Finder, Total Commander, Directory Opus, Files, Default Folder X and 2 more.
ForkLift is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates). 3 of the 7 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 4 more offer a free trial.
7 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 9, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| ForkLiftThis tool | Free trial · from $19.95 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Path Finder | Free trial · from $2.95/mo | Trial only | macOS |
| Total Commander | Free trial · from €42 one-time | Trial only | Windows, Android |
| Directory Opus | Free trial · from $89 one-time | Trial only | Windows |
| Files | Free plan · from $12.99 one-time | Yes | Windows |
| Default Folder X | Free trial · from $39.95 one-time | Trial only | macOS |
| Dropzone | Free plan · from $4.99/mo | Yes | macOS |
| TeraCopy | Free plan · from $34.95 one-time | Yes | macOS, Windows |
How each one differs from ForkLift
- 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. ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- ForkLift can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Suits: Mac users who find Finder limiting and want two panes
- Free trial · from €42 one-time
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). ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- Only Total Commander lists Windows and Android apps.
- Only ForkLift lists a macOS app.
- Total Commander also covers file compression.
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
Suits: Windows users who manage many files and prefer two panels to Explorer
- Free trial · from $89 one-time
Directory Opus
Highly configurable file manager that replaces Windows Explorer
- Directory Opus starts at $89 AUD one-time for a Single licence (Australian dollars). ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- Only Directory Opus lists a Windows app.
- Only ForkLift lists a macOS app.
- Directory Opus also covers file compression.
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
Suits: Windows users who want a more configurable replacement for Explorer
- Free plan · from $12.99 one-time
Files
Open-source file manager for Windows with tabs and dual pane
- Files starts at $12.99 one-time purchase (Microsoft Store, US price). ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- Files has a free plan. ForkLift does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Files lists a Windows app.
- Only ForkLift lists a macOS app.
- Files is open source, according to its own site.
Suits: Windows users who want tabs, dual pane and tags in a file manager
- Free trial · from $39.95 one-time
Default Folder X
Faster Open and Save dialogs and folder access on the Mac
- Default Folder X starts at $39.95 one-time purchase (single-user license). ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- Default Folder X also covers menu bar app.
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
Suits: Mac users who open and save files across many folders every day
- Free plan · from $4.99/mo
Dropzone
Drag-and-drop action grid and file shelf for the Mac menu bar
- Dropzone starts at $4.99 / month or $19.99 / year (Mac App Store), or $35 one-time direct. ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- Dropzone has a free plan. ForkLift does not, though it has a free trial.
- Dropzone also covers file sharing and menu bar app.
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
Suits: Mac users who move, copy and upload files by drag and drop all day
- Free plan · from $34.95 one-time
TeraCopy
File copy and move tool for Windows with checksum verification
- TeraCopy starts at $34.95 one-time purchase (Pro license, personal use). ForkLift starts at $19.95 one-time (Single user license with 1 year of updates).
- TeraCopy has a free plan. ForkLift does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only TeraCopy lists a Windows app.
- ForkLift also covers file sync.
Suits: Large or unattended transfers that should not stop at the first error
Limits worth knowing in ForkLift
- macOS only. ForkLift 4.4 and later require macOS 14.6; earlier ForkLift 4 versions need macOS 12.4 or later.
- A license includes updates for 1 or 2 years. Later versions run in trial mode until a new license is bought, though covered versions keep working.
- The Single user license is for personal use; office use on up to 5 Macs needs the Small Business license, from $69.95.
- Dropbox Smart Sync is not supported; the vendor says no API is available for it.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to ForkLift?
The alternatives to ForkLift in this directory are Path Finder, Total Commander, Directory Opus, Files, Default Folder X, Dropzone and TeraCopy. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with ForkLift.
Is there a free alternative to ForkLift?
Yes. Files, Dropzone and TeraCopy have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which ForkLift alternatives work on Windows?
The ForkLift listing does not include a Windows app. Total Commander, Directory Opus, Files and TeraCopy list one.
Which ForkLift alternatives work on Android?
The ForkLift listing does not include an Android app. Total Commander lists one.
Is there an open-source alternative to ForkLift?
Files is described as open source on its own site.
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.
Keep reading
- +2Best of
The best Mac utilities in 2026
Six utilities that make a Mac quicker to work on: two launchers, a window manager, a clipboard manager, a text expander and a subscription that bundles hundreds of apps. Each pick says what it does, what it costs and where else it runs.
6 tools · Updated October 2026
