Explorer++ vs FreeCommander (2026): which should you pick?

Pick Explorer++ if

• Fits if you want tabs in a Windows file manager without much else
• Works for people who carry tools on a USB stick

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want frequent updates, as the home page shows version 1.4.0 and a 2023 copyright
• Not for you if you want plugins, since that system is only described as planned
• Watch out: it is Windows only
• Too light for dual-pane work, as it is a single-pane tabbed manager

Pick FreeCommander if

• Fits if you use Windows at home and want panes and tabs
• Works for people who sync or compare two folders

Look elsewhere if

• Not for you if you use it for work on the free build, as commercial use needs a paid 64-bit licence after a 30-day test
• Watch out: the free 32-bit build updates about once a year, the 64-bit one several times
• Watch out: prices are in euros, exclude VAT, and are sold through PayPro Global
• Skip it if you use a Mac or Linux, as it is Windows only

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.

FreeCommander

• Prices are in euros, excluding VAT, and the 64-bit license is sold through PayPro Global.
• Commercial use requires a paid 64-bit license after a 30-day test of the 32-bit version.
• Updates to the free 32-bit version come about once a year; the 64-bit version is updated several times a year.

Explorer++

Tabbed browsing

Open several folders in tabs, and bookmark tabs.

Portable

No install is needed; settings can be saved to the registry or to a configuration file.

Preview pane

A display window shows a preview of a file as you select it.

File operations

Merge and split files, change dates and attributes, and save a directory listing.

Search and filter

Search by name and attributes, filter files, and switch between icon, list, detail, thumbnail and tile views.

FreeCommander

Dual panels and tabs

Horizontal or vertical dual panels, an optional single panel, tabs and an optional tree view for each panel.

Archives

Built-in handling of ZIP files (read and write), nested archives, and plugins for RAR and 7z.

Compare and synchronize

Folder comparison, folder synchronization, duplicate search and MD5 and SHA checksums.

Multi rename and filters

Multi-rename tool and file filters that can use regular expressions.

64-bit extras

The 64-bit version adds a built-in PDF viewer, text search in PDF and Office files, SFTP and built-in color schemes.

Explorer++

• Free$0

  Free to download and use; the site accepts donations.

FreeCommander

• 32-bit€0

  Free for private use; commercial users need a 64-bit license after a 30-day test.

• One download€10

  one-time, private users only, excluding VAT

  One download link to the current 64-bit version, valid 7 days; no updates.

• One year€18

  for 12 months of 64-bit downloads, excluding VAT

  Download any 64-bit version for a year; versions you downloaded stay usable.

• Two years€28

  for 24 months of 64-bit downloads, excluding VAT

  Same as One year, for two years.

Explorer++

No public discounts listed.

FreeCommander

• Other savings

  Two-year license costs less per year

  The 64-bit Two years license is €28 against €18 for One year, so the second year costs €10 more.