20 Best Free and Open Source Console Linux File Managers

A console application is computer software which can be used with a text-only computer interface, the command line interface, or a text-based interface included within a graphical user interface operating system, such as a terminal emulator (such as GNOME Terminal or the aforementioned Terminator). Whereas a graphical user interface application generally involves using the mouse and keyboard (or touch control), with a console application the primary (and often only) input method is the keyboard. Many console applications are command line tools, but there is a wealth of software that has a text-based user interface making use of ncurses, a library which allow programmers to write text-based user interfaces.

Console based applications are light on system resources (very useful on low specified machines), can be faster and more efficient than their graphical counterparts, they do not stop working when X is restarted, and are perfect for scripting purposes. When designed well, console applications offer a surprisingly improvement in productivity. The applications are leaner, faster, easier to maintain, and remove the need to have installed a whole raft of libraries.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts is a very famous quote from Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and scientist. This quote is particularly pertinent to Linux. In my view, one of Linux’s biggest strengths is its synergy. The usefulness of Linux doesn’t derive only from the huge raft of open source (command line) utilities. Instead, it’s the synergy generated by using them together, sometimes in conjunction with larger applications.

So what does the command-line offer users? There is a wide range of console based software which provide the same or similar functionality to their graphical equivalents. In the field of system administration, Linux is blessed with a good range of graphical file managers. However, some users are in their comfort zone managing files from the shell, finding it the fastest way to navigate the file system and perform file operations. This is, in part, because console based file managers are more keyboard friendly, enabling users to perform file operations without using a mouse, and make it quicker to navigate the filesystem and issue commands in the console at the same time.

Some people may prefer to use the shell instead of a console file manager. We covered some great tools that let you navigate the file system quickly – check out 12 Best Command Line Navigation Tools.

To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 20 high quality console based open source file managers. Hopefully, there will be something of interest for anyone who wishes to revel in the power of the console.

Here’s our verdict on the file managers.

Click the links in the table below to learn more about each file manager.

This article has been revamped in line with our recent announcement.

Popular series
	The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
	Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
	The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions.
	Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
	Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
	Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
	New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
	Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
	Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
	Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
	Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
	Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
	Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
	Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
	Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
	Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
	Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
	Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
	These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
	These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
	Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
	Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.