Compare software

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

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