eza vs Fd: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between eza and Fd comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Fd wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Pick eza if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
eza
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
Best for you if:
- • You want more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- • You want improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
Fd
A simple, fast, and user-friendly alternative to the 'find' command for filesystem searches.
Best for you if:
- • You want significantly faster than 'find' due to parallelization
- • You want more user-friendly and intuitive syntax
| At a Glance | eza | Fd |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose eza or Fd?
Choose eza if
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
- You want more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- You want improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
Choose Fd if
A simple, fast, and user-friendly alternative to the 'find' command for filesystem searches.
- You want significantly faster than 'find' due to parallelization
- You want more user-friendly and intuitive syntax
| Feature | eza | Fd |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsFile Management |
In-Depth Analysis
eza
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
Strengths
- +More feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- +Improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
- +Fast and lightweight due to being written in Rust
- +Actively maintained with ongoing bug fixes and improvements
- +Wide availability across various operating systems and package managers
Weaknesses
- -Requires installation as it's not a default system utility
- -Command-line options are similar but not identical to 'ls', requiring a slight learning curve for some users
Key features
Fd
A simple, fast, and user-friendly alternative to the 'find' command for filesystem searches.
Fd's pricing is exceptionally fair and generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Significantly faster than 'find' due to parallelization
- +More user-friendly and intuitive syntax
- +Sensible defaults (ignores hidden files and .gitignore) reduce noise
- +Colored output improves readability of search results
- +Flexible search options including regex, glob, and extension filtering
Weaknesses
- -Does not aim to support all of 'find's powerful and complex functionality
- -Requires command-line usage, not suitable for GUI-only users
Key features
Pricing: eza vs Fd
| Plan | eza | Fd |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on eza pricing and Fd pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: eza
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Fd
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
eza
- Choose if you want a modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems
The Bottom Line
Fd wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eza or Fd better?
Fd is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are eza and Fd used for?
eza: A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.. Fd: A simple, fast, and user-friendly alternative to the 'find' command for filesystem searches..
What does eza cost vs Fd?
eza is completely free. Fd is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.