Directory Opus vs Total Commander

Directory Opus

• Windows users who want a more configurable replacement for Explorer
• People who organize large file collections with tags, labels and ratings
• Users who customize and script their tools heavily

Total Commander

• Windows users who manage many files and prefer two panels to Explorer
• People who want FTP, archive handling and file comparison in one program
• Companies that want concurrent-use licences not tied to single computers

Directory Opus

• Windows only: it is supported on x64 versions of Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11, and ARM is not currently supported.
• Prices are in Australian dollars. Updates are free for one year; after that they need a renewal from $25 AUD a year, though the installed version keeps working.
• Advanced FTP and USB Export are optional add-ons, and the default 30-day evaluation does not enable Advanced FTP.
• The vendor's licensing FAQ says there are no refunds after purchase and suggests evaluating for up to 60 days first.

Total Commander

• The Windows version is shareware: after 30 days you must order a licence (€42 plus VAT where charged) or delete the program.
• There is no native Mac or Linux version. The vendor suggests a Windows emulator on a Mac and says it runs on Linux with Wine.
• The price is set in euros and charged by an EU payment processor; the vendor warns of a possible 1-2.5% processing fee from your bank.
• The registration key is not instant: the order page says to allow about 1-2 business days for delivery.

Directory Opus

Explorer replacement with dual panes

An Explorer Replacement mode takes over from Windows Explorer, with single or dual file displays, folder trees and tabs for keeping several folders open.

Copy queue and batch rename

Queues multiple file copies and renames files in batches, including keyboard macros for building rename operations.

FTP and archive support

Works with FTP sites and archive formats such as Zip, 7Zip and RAR. Advanced FTP is an optional add-on to the licence.

Search, duplicates and synchronize

Built-in tools find files, locate duplicates and synchronize folders, and searches can use indexed engines such as Windows Search and Everything.

Labels, tags and metadata

Color-codes files and assigns status icons, star ratings, tags and descriptions, with an integrated viewer and a metadata editor.

Customization and scripting

Toolbars, menus, hotkeys, themes and more than 600 colors and fonts can be changed, and a scripting interface adds custom commands and dialogs.

Total Commander

Two file windows side by side

Shows two file panels next to each other for copying and moving between folders, with a tabbed interface, history and favorites buttons, thumbnails view and custom columns.

Archive handling

Packs and unpacks files, with handling for ZIP, 7ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB and ACE archives and further formats through plugins.

Built-in FTP client

Connects to FTP servers with FTPS (encrypted FTP) and HTTP proxy support, and includes a password manager for FTP and plugin connections.

Compare and synchronize

Compares files by content in a compare editor and synchronizes directories, including empty ones.

Multi-rename tool and search

Renames many files in one operation, and offers an enhanced search function, regular expressions and a quick file filter on Ctrl+S.

Quick View panel

A Quick View panel previews the selected file inside the program, including image and video display.

Directory Opus

• Single$89 AUD

  one-time purchase; later updates $25 AUD / year (optional)

  Install on one computer, plus a free personal laptop licence for home users. Includes one year of free updates and forum support.

• Dual$129 AUD

  one-time purchase; later updates $40 AUD / year (optional)

  Install on two computers at one location, plus the free personal laptop licence. Includes one year of free updates.

• Five$249 AUD

  one-time purchase; later updates $75 AUD / year (optional)

  Install on five computers at one location, plus the free personal laptop licence. Includes one year of free updates.

• GOLP volume licenceCustom

  Volume licences for businesses starting at 11 seats, with discounts that increase with quantity. Arranged by email with sales.

Total Commander

• Total Commander for Android€0

  Freeware app for smartphones and tablets running Android 2.2 or newer.

• Total Commander for Windows€42

  one-time purchase per user, plus VAT where charged

  Registration key for the Windows version. One licence covers one person on any number of computers, and updates are free until further notice.

Directory Opus

• Lifetime license

  Perpetual licence

  A licence lets you keep using the version you have forever. Only installing later releases depends on the annual upgrade subscription, which never renews automatically.

• Other savings

  Free personal laptop licence

  Standard licences bought for home use include one free personal laptop licence on top of the installs purchased. It does not apply to business licences.

• Other savings

  Discounts for multi-year renewals

  Upgrade subscriptions can be renewed up to three years ahead, and the vendor says discounts are offered for renewing for more than one year.

• Other savings

  Volume pricing from 11 seats

  The GP Software Open Licence Plan gives small businesses and corporations cascading discounts on 11 or more seats, arranged by email.

Total Commander

• Education

  Student and pupil licence for €31.50

  Students and pupils pay EUR 31.50 plus VAT, down from EUR 42, after emailing proof of study to get a rebate code. The licence is issued in the student's own name.

• Lifetime license

  Licence with no time limit and free updates

  Single- and multi-user licences are valid for an unlimited time. The vendor says all updates have been free for registered users since version 1.0, until further notice.