eza vs Midnight Commander: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between eza and Midnight Commander 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: Midnight Commander 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
Midnight Commander
A visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments.
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open-source software
- • You want efficient for keyboard-driven file management
| At a Glance | eza | Midnight Commander |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose eza or Midnight Commander?
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 Midnight Commander if
A visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments.
- You want free and open-source software
- You want efficient for keyboard-driven file management
| Feature | eza | Midnight Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.6/5 13 reviews |
| 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
Midnight Commander
A visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments.
The pricing for Midnight Commander is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free.
Strengths
- +Free and open-source software
- +Efficient for keyboard-driven file management
- +Versatile across different terminal environments
- +Includes essential built-in tools (editor, viewer, diff)
- +Customizable with themes
Weaknesses
- -Text-mode interface may not appeal to all users
- -Requires familiarity with command-line environments
- -Learning curve for new users unfamiliar with similar tools
Key features
Pricing: eza vs Midnight Commander
| Plan | eza | Midnight Commander |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on eza pricing and Midnight Commander pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: eza
Want the highest-rated option?
Midnight Commander is rated 4.6/5. eza has no ratings yet.
Go with: Midnight Commander
Value user reviews?
eza: no ratings yet. Midnight Commander: 13 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Midnight Commander
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?
Midnight Commander is rated 4.6/5; eza has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Midnight Commander
- 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
Midnight Commander 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 Midnight Commander better?
Midnight Commander is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are eza and Midnight Commander used for?
eza: A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.. Midnight Commander: A visual, dual-pane file manager for text-mode environments..
What does eza cost vs Midnight Commander?
eza is completely free. Midnight Commander is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.