Is Directory Opus better than Midnight Commander?

Directory Opus ranks higher in our list of file managers (#2 against #6, score 90.5 against 86.0). Directory Opus is best for: Windows users who want an Explorer replacement. Midnight Commander is best for: terminal users who want two panes for copying files.

Which is cheaper, Directory Opus or Midnight Commander?

Directory Opus: One-time paid licence after a 30-day trial. Midnight Commander: Free GNU GPL software installed from package managers.

Do Directory Opus and Midnight Commander run on the same platforms?

Directory Opus supports Windows. Midnight Commander supports Linux, macOS, Command line.

Directory Opus vs Midnight Commander: Which Is Better? (2026)

90.5
Editorial score
86.0
1
Platforms
3
No
Free to use
Yes
No
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Directory Opus if you want

Windows users who want an Explorer replacement.

A paid Windows file manager that its vendor calls a complete replacement for Explorer. It uses a one-time licence after a 30-day trial, and the site notes that ARM is not currently supported.

Choose Midnight Commander if you want

Terminal users who want two panes for copying files.

A free dual-pane file manager that runs in a terminal on Linux, macOS and BSD under the GNU GPL. It is the only text-mode dual-pane tool in this list, and it has no native desktop window.

The main differences

Only Midnight Commander runs on Linux.
Only Directory Opus runs on Windows.
Only Midnight Commander runs on macOS.
Midnight Commander is open source; Directory Opus is not.
Midnight Commander can be used for free; Directory Opus requires payment.

Side by side

	Directory Opus	Midnight Commander
Score	90.5	86.0
Rank in list	#2 of 10	#6 of 10
Price	One-time purchaseOne-time paid licence after a 30-day trial	Free and open sourceFree GNU GPL software installed from package managers
Free to use	No	Yes
Open source	No	Yes
Platforms	WindowsWindows	LinuxmacOSCommand lineLinux, macOS, Command line
Made by	GP Software	Not stated
Layout	Dual panes, dual trees and tabs	Dual-pane, text mode
Best for	Windows users who want an Explorer replacement	Terminal users who want two panes for copying files
Strengths	One-time licence with free updates, per the vendor 30-day trial before buying	Free GNU GPL software, per the project site Two panes for copying and comparing files
Limits	Windows only, with no ARM support yet Paid after the trial	Text-mode interface with a learning curve No native desktop window
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Directory Opus vs Midnight Commander

Is Directory Opus better than Midnight Commander?: Directory Opus ranks higher in our list of file managers (#2 against #6, score 90.5 against 86.0). Directory Opus is best for: Windows users who want an Explorer replacement. Midnight Commander is best for: terminal users who want two panes for copying files.
Which is cheaper, Directory Opus or Midnight Commander?: Directory Opus: One-time paid licence after a 30-day trial. Midnight Commander: Free GNU GPL software installed from package managers.
Do Directory Opus and Midnight Commander run on the same platforms?: Directory Opus supports Windows. Midnight Commander supports Linux, macOS, Command line.