Best 10 Mac File Managers

The file organization on your Mac is a mess, making it difficult to easily find important files. Or maybe you’re not a fan of the way Finder organizes files. This isn’t ideal if you keep confidential files on your Mac or use it to store and manage work files.

Many tools are the best on the market and make Mac exceptional—Finder isn’t one of them. You need a Mac file explorer that won’t make the task of managing your precious files frustrating, and our team is here to help.

There are several options available to help organize your files on your Mac. Continue reading our selection of the best tools to manage your files on your trusted Mac device.  

Reasons to try out Finder alternatives

MacBook devices are famous for handy tools, like the ability to view hidden files. However, new users might want to pull their hair out when dealing with Finder, while older Mac users may find they need more from a file manager.

Here’s why Finder isn’t perfect as a file management tool:

• Finder can perform rather slowly
• It isn’t updated as often as other macOS apps
• It annoyingly adds .DS_Store files to the folders you open
• Renaming multiple files can be a tedious task to undertake
• Syncing folders can be equally frustrating
• Finder has limited cloud storage and remote server capabilities
• Viewing capabilities are also limited, making it difficult to look at multiple photos and videos at once, which is rather time-consuming
• With no dual-pane mode, you’re stuck having to work with multiple tabs and windows for simple tasks
• It’s not suitable for people working with many files and data due to its limited functionality
• The search function isn’t always reliable or user-friendly. For example, it doesn’t support case-sensitive searches.

A note from our experts

 

Without arranging your files, file managers will be useless. The first step in organizing files on your Mac is removing junk items. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup can handle this task in a few clicks.

 

Start clearing your Mac with MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool today:

1. Download MacKeeper on your MacBook and install the app.
2. Select Safe Cleanup on the left and hit the Start Scan button
3. MacKeeper will list the files it intends to delete. If you’re happy with the selection, hit the Clean Junk Files button and enjoy an optimized Mac.

Top 10 file organizers for Mac

If you’re searching for more options to organize files on your Mac, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 10 file organizers you can try as a macOS alternative file manager. Compare the prices, pros and cons, and choose the best one based on your needs.

1. Commander One

It’s a good option for anyone looking for a reliable dual-panel file manager for their Mac device. It makes moving and copying files easy tasks, not to mention the shortcuts and file paths it provides for simple actions, like editing, copying, compressing, deleting, moving, and creating folders.

Commander One offers a free trial with in-app purchases. Get it from the App Store.

2. XtraFinder

As the name suggests, XtraFinder isn’t a replacement for Mac’s Finder. Rather, it can be used alongside Finder, bringing helpful features that complement it. Think of it as a helping hand that gives you a better overall file management experience. XtraFinder allows you to use dual-panel mode at your discretion and disable it as you wish. It’s a good option if you enjoy Finder for the most part, but need something more from it.

A free trial is available and you pay a $4.99 one-time payment thereafter.

3. Path Finder

Produced by Cocoatech, this solution closely resembles Mac’s Finder, which makes switching to it a breeze. Its functionalities are similar to those of Commander One, especially those that aid productivity, like file compression, support for numerous cloud storage services, and connection protocols. The file manager is suitable for professionals, like designers, software engineers, and teachers.

Path Finder offers a 30-day free trial, and you can choose from the following packages:

• $2.95/month
• $16.50 for six months
• $29.95 per year (subscription)
• $32.95 for a one-year license.

4. TotalFinder

TotalFinder is a plugin from BinaryAge that’s best for Mac users who quite enjoy the simplicity of Finder but want some added features. It’s a more vibrant option that allows color labeling for better organization. The ability to easily navigate between tabs makes it convenient to work and easy to stay productive. Thanks to its simplicity and modern look, anyone can use TotalFinder.

You can try TotalFinder for 14 days from its official site. A one-time purchase sets you back $12.

5. Transmit 5

It’s a reliable app that is updated regularly, which ensures that any bugs or issues that might pop up are quickly taken care of for your safety and to protect your privacy. This makes your Mac secure, which is paramount because you store your files and personal data on it. Manage files quickly and easily with Transmit 5.

Transmit 5 comes with a 7-day free trial and costs $45 thereafter. Get it here.

6. Nimble Commander

If you’re looking for convenience or functionality (or both), Nimble Commander is the dual-pane file manager you need. This is a no-frills app, containing only what's needed. For example, it doesn’t have a ton of unnecessary buttons, just a Share menu and a directory tree.

It’s suitable for people working with lots of data. Try it yourself.

7. CRAX Commander

CRAX Commander is a file manager with a straightforward, easy-to-use interface. What sets it apart is its customizable interface. For instance, you can move and replace the buttons on the work panel. You can also change the font size and background color to your liking.

CRAX Commander offers a free trial and costs $25.99 thereafter. Test it too.

8. Dropover

It’s a temporary file holder that helps you move files smoothly as an alternative solution to what you’re used to. This makes it a great addition to use alongside other file managers. Instead of moving files by selecting them, Dropover creates temporary shelves instead, and the shelves can be modified with ease. You can also select files from various folders.

Dropover comes with a 14-day free trial, and the full version costs $3.99. Take it from App Store.

9. HoudahSpot

This file explorer works well with Mac’s Spotlight search and makes finding files quick and easy. So, why use both HoudahSpot and Spotlight? It’s quite simple, really. HoudahSpot sorts through Spotlight search results thoroughly to return much more targeted results, which increases the chances of finding whatever you’re looking for. The faster you locate your files, the more your productivity is boosted.

HoudahSpot offers users a free trial and paid options at the official site:

• Single User License: $34. This is for one user, but can be used on unlimited computers
• Family License: $52. This is for family members living in the same household.

10. Marta

To be objective, it isn’t a fully developed Mac file organizer. However, it’s suitable for users on a budget, given that it’s a completely free Mac file manager, unlike other file managers. Marta supports a host of Finder's basic functions, like sharing, editing, deleting, and copying files. It also offers dual panels.

Check it here and give it a try.

Choose the best file managers for Mac

Mac’s Finder is great, but it’s not the best. There are tons of options you can try that are more user-friendly and have better functionality. Fortunately, you don’t have to do the work of finding a suitable one yourself. Use our handy guide and useful tips to find a file organizer that works for your needs and budget.

Equally important is to use a cleaning software that will help boost your Mac’s performance. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool rids your Mac of redundant files to help it perform smoothly and cut down on clutter. Use it regularly for best results.