Is Files better than Nautilus?

Files ranks higher in our list of file managers (#7 against #8, score 84.5 against 82.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Files is best for: free modern file management on Windows with tags. Nautilus is best for: GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager.

Which is cheaper, Files or Nautilus?

Files: Free and open source; maintained by community contributors. Nautilus: Free and open source; install from Flathub.

Do Files and Nautilus run on the same platforms?

Files supports Windows. Nautilus supports Linux.

Comparison · File managers

Files vs Nautilus: which is better in 2026?

Files84.5#7 in best file managers

Nautilus82.0#8 in best file managers

Files ranks higher in our list of file managers (#7 against #8, score 84.5 against 82.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

84.5
Editorial score
82.0
1
Platforms
1
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Files if you want

Free modern file management on Windows with tags.

A free, open-source Windows file manager with tabs, file tags and a modern interface. Its Windows-only focus and community-run support make it a narrower choice than the paid Windows managers above.

Choose Nautilus if you want

GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager.

The default file manager of the GNOME desktop, simple and well integrated, with icon grid, list and tree views. It has no dual-panel mode and runs on Linux only.

The main differences

Only Nautilus runs on Linux.
Only Files runs on Windows.

Side by side

	Files	Nautilus
Score	84.5	82.0
Rank in list	#7 of 10	#8 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; maintained by community contributors	Free and open sourceFree and open source; install from Flathub
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Platforms	WindowsWindows	LinuxLinux
Made by	Files Community	GNOME Project
Layout	Single pane with tabs	Single pane
Best for	Free modern file management on Windows with tags	GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager
Strengths	Free and open source under the MIT license Tabs for multitasking in one window	Default file manager of the GNOME desktop Plugins and scripts extend its functions
Limits	Windows only Support runs through community channels	Runs on Linux only Single-pane layout, unlike dual-panel managers
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Files vs Nautilus

Is Files better than Nautilus?: Files ranks higher in our list of file managers (#7 against #8, score 84.5 against 82.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Files is best for: free modern file management on Windows with tags. Nautilus is best for: GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager.
Which is cheaper, Files or Nautilus?: Files: Free and open source; maintained by community contributors. Nautilus: Free and open source; install from Flathub.
Do Files and Nautilus run on the same platforms?: Files supports Windows. Nautilus supports Linux.