[Windows] Best free file manager program — Q-Dir vs Xplorer2 Lite vs Explorer++ vs FreeCommander vs Multi Commander
January 27, 2013 93
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Windows Explorer is the default file manager provided with Windows. It is fine for most people but is not ideal in many aspects such as moving files around. This is where freeware file managers come in; with options such as multiple panes, these programs make managing your files a breeze! On that note, here are the best free file managers available for Windows.
This review is part of our Best Free Windows Software section. Check out more articles on the best free Windows programs from here.
Table of Contents
- Best Free File Manager
- Runner Up
- Honorable Mention 1
- Honorable Mention 2
- Honorable Mention 3
- Other Alternatives
Best Free File Manager
Program Name: Q-Dir
Developer: Nenad Hrg
Download Size: 455KB
Version Reviewed: 5.47
Requires: Windows NT/98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
Approximate Memory Usage When Idle: 7.96MB
Pros
- Portable
- Supports up to 4 panes
- Has tabs
- Supports drag + drop
- Supports filters
- Supports different views
- Has a magnifier (magnifies any portion of the screen)
- Ability to add favorites
- Has a preview pane (in addition to the 4 panes) for previewing files/folders
- Has all the normal file management functions that are found in Windows Explorer
Cons
- Too many panes can become quite cumbersome
Discussion
Q-Dir is both simple and effective and is a very capable file manager solution.
One of the best aspects of Q-Dir is its user interface. This may come across as strange but the program offers users several options for adjusting the layout to their preferences. Users can choose to do the following:
- Display the default 4 square panes arrangement
- Display a 3 pane arrangement with only one horizontal window at the top
- Display a 3 pane arrangement with only one horizontal window at the bottom
- Display 2 vertical panes
- Display 2 horizontal panes
- Display 4 vertical panes
- Display 4 horizontal panes
- Display 3 vertical panes
- Display 1 vertical pane in the left pane and 2 horizontal panes in the right pane
- Display 2 horizontal panes in the left pane and 1 vertical pane in the right pane
- Display a single pane
In addition to panes, tabs are supported.
There isn’t really a best display option; the option anyone chooses depends on their preferences and how many files or folders they will be manipulating at any instant. Q-Dir also gives users options for the type of icons they want to display such as tiles and small icons. It also includes the option of using a color filter in order to differentiate between different types of items. Also handy is the zoom tool which allows for any area of the screen to be magnified. Users can also choose to duplicate the window and choose and select any one of several themes which are available.
Another brilliant characteristic of the program is the ability to save the current state. This allows users to resume browsing at a later period of time, after closing the manager, as if the program was never closed in the first place. Users can implement built-in windows functions from directly within the program such as:
- Shutting down
- Opening the run prompt
- Opening the command prompt
There is also an option for restarting the manager which may be necessary to allow certain changes made to files or the program itself. In addition, provision is made to include files from network locations. Q-Dir can also be set as the default explorer and thus can essentially completely replace all of the functionality of Windows Explorer. Users also have the option of previewing their audio, image and video files before opening them. Finally users can add frequently accessed locations to their favorites so as to have quick and easy access to them.
The only issue I have found with this program is that when using multiple pane configurations, the program can become quite cluttered especially when using 3 or 4 panes. But then again, more than two panes is the attraction of Q-Dir.
Q-Dir is an excellent program which should comprehensively address all of the basic to advanced needs of anyone using the program.
Runner Up
Program Name: Xplorer2 Lite
Developer: ZABKAT
Download Size: 1.77MB
Version Reviewed: 2.2.0.2
Requires: Windows
Approximate Memory Usage When Idle: 3.24MB
Discussion
Xplorer2 Lite is a complete file manager solution which bests Windows Explorer in many aspects.
Firstly Xplorer2 Lite makes use of a dual window system where 2 separate folders are displayed in one window thus allowing for the easy transfer of files. Additionally the program makes use of tabs. These two features alone make Xplorer2 Lite a very powerful contender. Also there are various options for how the icons are displayed. These are:
- Large icons
- Small icons
- List
- Details
- Thumbnails
Bookmarks allow for the fast access of user favorites and can be added quite easily. Another interesting feature is the sticky selection feature which is similar to holding ctrl and selecting items. Xplorer2 Lite also makes use of a built in text viewer/editor and allows for the previewing of .txt files as well as audio, video and image files.
Perhaps the most powerful feature of Xplorer2 Lite is its DOS command functionality. Users can use this provision in order to create scripts to process batch files. Xplorer2 Lite also allows users to clone their current windows and manage the corresponding files. The program also allows users to save the state of their browsing just before closing the program which allows for its reopening in exactly the same state as it was in before.
My two main issues with Xplorer2 Lite are the lack of a powerful built in search function and, the annoying prompts which appear if a feature which is not included in the LITE version is unknowingly selected by users of the program.
Despite these 2 gripes, it is clear to see that Xplorer2 Lite is both an effective program, capable of some quite advanced functionality such as the DOS command feature.
Honorable Mention 1
Program Name: Explorer++
Developer: David Ecreg
Download Size: 578KB
Version Reviewed: 1.3.4.485
Requires: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
Approximate Memory Usage When Idle: 13.54MB
Discussion
Explorer++ is a lightweight but effective file manager.
The GUI of Explorer++ is similar to that of Q-Dir when the single division option is selected along with the ‘one-4-all’ option under extras tree view. In other words, Explore++ only has one pane but it does use tabs. It’s interface is very well laid out. Explorer++ offers users options such as bookmarking and a command prompt option and the ability to customize the colors of the program.
One of the assets of this program is the ease with which it allows users to copy file, folder and universal file paths. Users simply need to select the file/folder and select the required action under the file menu. Also the options for ‘removing’ files from folders go beyond what one would typically expect. Users can choose to:
- Delete (moves to the recycle bin)
- Delete permanently (skips the recycle bin but the file may be recoverable via a data recovery program)
- Destroy File(s) (the file in question will not be recoverable)
Explorer ++ also allows users to use the wildcard select function. This function is used to help persons search for files whose names they are not sure of; users simply need to type the portion of the file name that they do know, followed by an asterisk which represents the missing character(s). Under the ‘Go’ menu shortcuts to popular locations such as ‘Computer’, ‘My Documents’, ‘My Music’, ‘My Pictures’, ‘Desktop’ and ‘Recycle Bin’ among others can be found and accessed.
There are 2 issues I have found with Explorer ++. Firstly, the interface is not as customizable as that of Xplorer2 Lite or Q-Dir and users are limited to a single window system. In addition there is no preview pane available.
However, Explorer ++’s lightweight nature combined with its ease of use and great features still make it one of the better file managers out there today.
Honorable Mention 2
Program Name: FreeCommander
Developer: Marekk Jasinski
Download Size: 2.54MB
Version Reviewed: 2.8.2
Requires: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7
Approximate Memory Usage When Idle: 11.64MB
Discussion
The additional functionality offered by FreeCommander over Windows Explorer is a sure way to improve your file browsing experience.
Like Xplorer2 Lite, Free commander uses a dual pane window system with tabs which allows for ease of navigation and file transfer between folders. Users are given several choices as to how they would like to display their icons such as:
- List
- Details
- Small Icons
- Large Icons
- Thumbnails
- Display split/dual windows in a stacked manner or side by side.
Unlike Xplorer2 Lite however, FreeCommander does include its own powerful search functionality, allowing users to track down files with ease. The program also has powerful filtering capabilities.
FreeCommander has the unique functionality of being able to pack and unpack files which would come in quite handy as no additional programs need to be opened in order to carry out these functions. Also, FreeCommander gives users the ability to create and verify MD5 Checksums. It also gives provision for several time saving shortcuts and allows users to set their favorite tools which are programs of the users’ choice. Additionally users can save frequently accessed or important locations using the ‘favorites’ option. FreeCommander also allows users to take desktop snapshots if desired.
Perhaps one of the stronger points of FreeCommander is the way it integrates some of the elements of Windows directly into the program. For example, the command prompt, control panel, start menu, desktop and a few select system directories can be accessed via icons located on the toolbar of the program. Clicking on these icons opens up drop down menus and allows for the selection of the desired folders/options.
The main issue I have with this program is the lack of the preview option. According to some dotTechies, it is possible to download TotalCommander plugins and use them with FreeCommander; one of those plugins adds the preview option. I haven’t tried it myself, though.
FreeCommander is definitely worth trying out as a Windows Explorer substitute since it possesses some great features which Explorer simply does not offer.
Honorable Mention 3
Program Name: Multi Commander
Developer: Mathias Svensson
Download Size: 5.ooMB
Version Reviewed: 2.8.1
Requires: Windows
Approximate Memory Usage When Idle: 9.06MB
Discussion
Multi Commander is another powerful option for all of your file manager needs.
On opening the program users are prompted to choose how they want the interface to look and given the following options:
- Commander Style “Look ‘n’ Feel”
- Windows Explorer Compatibility “Look ‘n’ Feel”
- Option to choose from multiple profiles
Like Xplorer2 Lite and FreeCommander, Multi Commander uses a dual window system with tabs. It also takes full advantage of tabbed browsing which is an invaluable feature in the world of file managers. Users are also given the option of customizing the interface of the program to their preferences.
Similarly to FreeCommander, this program also allows users to pack and unpack files. In addition it allows for the testing of the integrity of these packed files. It also has ftp support. In addition users will have access to tools for the simpler tasks involved in photo manipulation such as the rotation and conversion of picture formats. It can also display media information for movies as well as view the properties of audio files. Multi Commander also allows for the renaming of multiple files at once which could come in quite handy. It can also convert text to different formats such as the format for Unix. The search function must not be forgotten as this is extremely important for locating files. In combination with the advanced filter options present, users can easily find their files.
One of my main issues with this program are the buttons at the bottom of the program window make the window very cluttered and are simply not laid out very well. Also, there is no preview option.
Other Alternatives
- PowerDesk
- BetterExplorer
- Ultra Explorer
- Unreal Commander
- … and many more
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Xplorer2 Lite.
Fast, reliable, tabs (can lock them if needed), dual pane with folder tree if you want, can set bookmarks to get to frequently used (or hard-to-remember) places, handles folders with LARGE numbers of files (many others fail between 1,200 and 3,000 files), properly handles right-click (context) menu (many others don’t at all, or show a limited number of options),can copy filenames and/or paths as text, doesn’t do the Stupid Vista Trick of changing folders to display picture (EXIF) or MP3 attributes (tags) if any files in a folder are pics or MP3s — it shows what I want to see unless I change it. All this in the FREE version, or you can upgrade to Pro for many more features.
-File Mind
-CubicExplorer
-Multi Commander
-Q-Dir
Oh, FreeCommander by all means! I’ve tried them all, and choose this even over TotalCommander. FreeCommanderXE is the beta version – up to its 610th revision at this time, in preparation for its first release. It does everything you could imagine: dual-pane, multi-tabs, with a favourites panel. Best of all, you can create your own buttons and toolbars to do a variety of commands – even run autohotkey scripts. Here is the link to the beta: http://freecommander.com/fc_beta_en.htm
Of course Total Commander. I use it for about 7 years. It is really a powerful file manager program!
Q-Dir, qouth the Raven, and nothing more.
Q-Dir for me
Up to 4 panes, Unicode and Portable versions available. All normal function, tabs, drag/drop still available. many options to set up which are remembered for next use.
I second the vote for Free Commander. It has tabs and panels that can be easily swapped with a ready display of the total number of files, storage used, storage remaining and a nice search box at the bottom of every panel. It also has a handy multi-rename tool.
.
I’ve been using GPSoftware’s Directory Opus for just a bit over seven years now; far from FREE. I’ll tell you what my wife has told me for years, “I got it on sale.” It’s my most used File Manager.
I also downloaded XYplorer during a recent Giveaway of the Day promotion. While there are some things I don’t like about it there are also some things that I’m very impressed with. I just can’t seem to get used to those tabs though. I mentioned XYplorer because it reminds me a lot of my favorite FREE File Manager.
My favorite Free File Manager is xplorer² LITE, current version 2.1.0.2 and has been for years. I can’t afford to buy a File Manager for my wife’s computer so xplorer² LITE is what I have installed on her Windows 7 laptop. I do all the work on her computer. I read a review once where the reviewer stated that they thought it was very similar to Directory Opus, but I find it very similar to XYplorer. It doesn’t get very good reviews to be honest, but I figure that’s because most don’t realize how powerful it is. Or they do and don’t want to be bothered with it. I have always found it very capable.
xplorer² LITE 2.1.0.2: http://zabkat.com/x2lite.htm
I was wanting to download XYplorer for my wife’s computer too, except that her computer suffered a fatal error and by the time I got it back up and running the promotion was over so I was on the hunt for a possible 64 bit File Manager to try. What I came up with, recently, is a File Manager titled “Multi Commander”; seems to be pretty popular. But I have not been able to download it as yet; the Multi Commander site has been down the past couple days and redirecting to their facebook page. Understand I’ve never used “Multi Commander”, but it sounded good enough to try and receives pretty good reviews. And so I thought I would mention it.
Xplorer² LITE. Absolutely.
Multi Commander: fast, intuitive and very powerful.
@Tim Yao:
Yes, definitely Total Commander is the very best file manager, especially for us, the old boys brought up on DOS :) . However, as this is supposed to be a list of the best FREE file manager program on Windows, TC won’t count as it is a shareware (though worth every penny paid for it).
As an alternative I would suggest Unreal Commander – a very good and stable clone of TC. The program is totally free, easily customizable and full of handy functions. Unfortunately, there is a fly in the ointment – the latest version of Unreal Commander dates back to 2010, a real pity the developer has suspended the fine job …
The file manager that I prefer is Explorer ++. Check it out at…
http://explorerplusplus.com/
Total Commander for sure !
Q-Dir:
- portable
- very small footprint
- save configration/scenarios in qdr files
only disadvantage:
qdr files are binaries, so I can’t edit them manually.
Free Commander [not Total Commander]
An other vote for Xplorer2 , definitely.
I am using the paid version , absolutely worth every cent.
Multiple user defined views with specific ‘columns’ per use case (images, audio-video, software) – tagging for all files (on NTFS) – multiple built-in extra columns – powerfull programmable search on all file metadata – tabs – handy scrap containers – even dual panes for the fans.
Only misses that coloring gadget of XYplorer…
Wow! There are many. But I will list the 4 that I used the most over time from best to runner-ups. And list some honorable mentions.
1) Multi-Commander: dual pane, many features and very customizable.
2) Q-Dir, quad pane: good for dragging files to different folders, many other functions, too.
3) Free Commander: dual pane with many features and functions.
4) Ultra Explorer: the predecessor or precursor of Cubic Explorer (another nice explorer). Dual Pane and similar to Free Commander. I prefer this one than Cubic because it feels more polished. But Cubic is worth a try, too! The last version of UE is 2.0.3.1 and you can still download it from Softpedia.com.
Honorable mentions:
Master Commander
Double Commander
Explorer++
As others, Free Commander which also has the advantage of being available in my language (FR).
I use Free Commander and Multi-Commander. Its bard to choose only one.. there are many good ones in this field.
Please, when reviewing, take note if any of the file managers you review have a “shopping cart” type feature, eg., a place to drop files as a reminder you need to do something with them, to be decided individually (or collectively) later on.
Thanks
@AFPhys: FreeCommander does, indeed, have the mentioned shopping cart – plus several methods of filtering, see-through folders, too.
@AFPhys:
You haven’t tried my suggestion, to make the GOTD XYPlorer totally portable ?
Then create another folder with one of the portable XYPlorers, Now only fire up that clone, when you wish to remember Folders or files.
I currently have 3 clones, and intend to have more.
Total Commander without a doubt also. I have used it for at least 12 years even when it was called Windows Commander. Here is a quick rundown of it direct from the website ( http://www.ghisler.com/)
It is Two file windows side by side
Multiple language and Unicode support
Enhanced search function
Compare files (now with editor) / synchronize directories
Quick View panel with bitmap display
ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE archive handling + plugins
Built-in FTP client with FXP (server to server) and HTTP proxy support
Parallel port link, multi-rename tool
Tabbed interface, regular expressions, history+favorites buttons
Thumbnails view, custom columns, enhanced search
Compare editor, cursor in lister, separate trees, logging, enhanced overwrite dialog etc.
Unicode names almost everywhere, long names (>259 characters), password manager for ftp and plugins, synchronize empty dirs, 64 bit context menu, quick file filter (Ctrl+S)
USB port connection via special direct transfer cable, partial branch view (Ctrl+Shift+B), and many improvements to ftp, synchronizing and other functions.
And many more!
Total Commander, Version 8.01 is a fully functional shareware file manager for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7/8 32 and 64bit.
I adore it..I copy, pack, unpack, delete files and dirs., run applications from it, network 5 computers using it, can change attributes and calculate occupied space with it. I’d be lost without it. I use a paid version but the shareware version I had only used a nag screen at startup which was a minor bugbear but didnt affect full functionality. Anyway my 2 cents worth.
Methinks we must expel Total Commander from this discussion. The title of this discussion is “best *FREE* file manager program” – last I knew, Total Commander is Shareware, not Freeware.
@Rob (Down Under): “The part that you may need assistance on, is how do you find the sub folder called ‘Data’ which has to be copied into the same folder as the EXE”
What happens if I don’t have the ‘Data’? I really haven’t got one, ‘Everything”, “Windoes Explorer” and “XYPlorerer” can’t find one.
Any ideas?