Default Folder X vs Path Finder

Default Folder X

• Mac users who open and save files across many folders every day
• People who want keyboard shortcuts to favorite and recent folders
• Buyers who prefer a one-time license to a subscription

Path Finder

• Mac users who find Finder limiting and want two panes
• People who copy and move many files between folders or drives
• Buyers who want to choose between a subscription and a non-renewing license key

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.

Path Finder

• macOS only; the site describes no Windows, Linux or mobile version.
• There is no perpetual license: subscriptions renew monthly or yearly, and license keys run for a fixed 1, 2 or 5 years, after which updates end.
• The homepage says older builds can still be run after a plan expires, while the terms of service grant use only for the term of the subscription or license.
• Subscriptions include 2 activations and more can be bought. A license key covers 3 computers and cannot have activations added.

Default Folder X

Enhanced Open and Save dialogs

Adds a toolbar to file dialogs in every app, with hierarchical menus that expand as the mouse moves over folders and a larger field for typing file names.

Recent and favorite folders

Remembers recently used files and folders, re-selects the last file opened, and gives favorite folders their own configurable keyboard shortcuts.

Click a Finder window

With a file dialog open, clicking any Finder window makes the dialog jump to that folder, so a file can be opened from or saved to it in one click.

Quick Search

Command-Shift-Space opens a search window: typing a few letters of a file, folder or application name brings up recently used items to open in a dialog or the Finder.

Default folders per application

A default folder can be set for each application so its dialogs start in the right place, and the app can remember a folder you save into repeatedly.

Finder drawer and menu bar drop target

Items can be parked in a drawer below a Finder window, or dragged to the menu bar icon and moved straight to a folder chosen from its menus.

Path Finder

Dual-pane browsing

A Dual Pane View shows two folders side by side, and files can be copied from one pane to the other with a single click.

Drop Stack

Freezes a drag-and-drop operation by placing the files in a temporary stack, to be copied or moved from there.

Batch rename and advanced selection

Renames files in batches and selects files by name, extension, attributes and more. Hidden files can be viewed and manipulated.

FolderSync

Includes FolderSync, Cocoatech's folder comparison and synchronization tool, for merging, comparing and synchronizing folders.

Size Browser

Browses selected files and folders by size, with Hierarchical Columns and Hierarchical Chart views that show how space is distributed.

Dropbox and iPhone browsing

Links a Dropbox account, and browses files on iOS devices connected by USB and performs file operations on them.

Default Folder X

• Single-user license$39.95

  one-time purchase per user

  One license per person, usable on every Mac where that person is the sole user. Updates are free until the next major release.

• 2+ licenses$34.95

  one-time purchase per user, when buying 2 or more

  Lower per-license price when two or more single-user licenses are bought together.

Path Finder

• Monthly Subscription$2.95

  per month, renews automatically

  Renews every month and can be canceled at any time. Includes 2 activations; the vendor suggests it for trying the app for a few months.

• Yearly Subscription$29.95

  per year, renews automatically

  The plan the vendor labels as recommended. Renews every year, can be canceled at any time, and includes 2 activations.

• 1 Year License Key$32.95

  one-time payment for a 1-year term

  A single payment that does not renew. The key is sent by email, covers 3 computers and includes updates released during the term.

• 2 Year License Key$55.95

  one-time payment for a 2-year term

  A license key for two years with no automatic renewal, labeled as saving over 15% compared with buying yearly.

• 5 Year License Key$122.95

  one-time payment for a 5-year term

  A license key for five years with no automatic renewal, labeled as saving over 25% compared with buying yearly.

Default Folder X

• Other savings

  $34.95 each for 2 or more licenses

  The product page prices a single-user license at $39.95 and drops the price to $34.95 per license when two or more are bought.

• Education

  Educational discounts

  The product page links to educational discounts, which are sold through the Student App Centre store. The amount is not shown on the vendor's page.

• Other savings

  Upgrade pricing for earlier licenses

  Version 6 is free for licenses bought on or after March 1, 2023, $9.95 for those bought from September 1, 2022, and $19.95 for older ones.

Path Finder

• Annual discount

  Yearly subscription costs less than monthly

  The Yearly Subscription is $29.95, against $35.40 for twelve payments of the $2.95 Monthly Subscription, a saving of about 15%.

• Other savings

  Multi-year license keys at a discount

  The 2 Year License Key ($55.95) is labeled as saving 15% and the 5 Year License Key ($122.95) as saving 25%, compared with buying a 1 Year License Key each year.

• Other savings

  Volume and site licenses on request

  The terms of service say businesses and organizations can ask about volume and site licenses, and that pricing for multiple licenses or extra activations varies with quantity.