Compare software

lf vs Vifm: catalog facts
lf	Vifm
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Free to download, with optional sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Command line	Windows, Linux, Command line
A single static binary with no runtime dependencies and near-instant startup Asynchronous IO, so a slow directory never freezes the interface	Vim keybindings and commands for file management Full keyboard control
No tabs or windows by design; you use your terminal multiplexer instead No built-in pager or editor	Steep learning curve for people new to Vim Terminal interface only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Closed source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 21, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.