When comparing PCManFM vs Ranger NCurses file manager with Vim bindings, the Slant community recommends PCManFM for most people. In the question“What are the best GUI file managers for UNIX-like systems?” PCManFM is ranked 1st while Ranger NCurses file manager with Vim bindings is ranked 14th. The most important reason people chose PCManFM is:
General use, and most operations, are snappy and responsive.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Lightweight
General use, and most operations, are snappy and responsive.
Pro Simple
PCManFM is a very lightweight and simple file manager.
Pro Can open folder as root
PCManFM can open different folders as root, this way you don't have to use the terminal to move around files for which you need root permission.
Pro Auto mounts drives
PCmanFM automatically detects and mounts available drives.
Pro Supports "quick-directory" typing
While in a PCManFM window, typing either a "~" or a "/" will automatically start typing into the location bar, allows for tab completion, and pressing Enter goes straight to the typed directory.
Pro More RAM is available for other processes, and the system uses less swap
Overall, the system becomes faster.
Pro Uses tabs instead of new windows
Tabs can practically be managed just as in a browser, so you don't end up with windows open all over your desktop. New tabs automatically start in the same location.
Pro Fastest starup
PCmanFM is the fastest GUI file manager to start.
Pro No back seat driver
Does not obstruct professional work by engrossing root warnings.
Pro Compact
Supports fast failure resolving in bulky configuration and log folders.
Pro Fast response
This is a NCurses GUI so it is a command line program with a user interface of shortcut keys which allows for a fast response.
Pro Detailed previews
The program will give previews in the terminal with detailed information concerning the file.
Pro Bookmark system
Makes it easy to jump to any specific folder locations you work with.
Pro Extremly minimal GUI interface
Cons
Con Can't extend with scripts
Unlike Nautilus and Caja, this can't extend with scripts. If script extension is added it can become a really good FM.
Con Some operations are slow
Because it tries to be as lightweight as possible and tries to use very little RAM. This can unfortunately lead to it being slow sometimes.
Con Right-click option choice limitation
You can only choose one option in the right-click menu instead of being able to select multiple at once.
Con Uses a bit more RAM than thunar
Thunar uses less RAM but you pay in slower startup and stability.
Con Directory trees can be confusing
Starts you off in a directory tree that is your home folder as if that is the very top. (Just use a single tree as it actually is and expand appropriately).
Con Steep learning curve for people who are not used to Vim
Since it uses many of vim's keybindings, it may be hard for someone who does not use vim or does not know how to use vim to learn how to work with this file manager.
Con Extremly minimal GUI interface
Almost everything is a shortcut key. Using ? is essential to learning this program. To show hidden files it is z-h.