Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Nautilus VS Caja

Compare Nautilus VS Caja and see what are their differences

Nautilus logo Nautilus

Nautilus is a different kind of science magazine. We deliver big-picture science by reporting on a single monthly topic from multiple perspectives. Read a new chapter in the story every Thursday.

Caja logo Caja

Caja, the file manager for the MATE desktop
  • Nautilus Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-25
  • Caja Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25

Nautilus features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Nautilus features a clean and intuitive interface that's easy for users to navigate and understand, making file management straightforward.
  • Integration with GNOME
    Nautilus is well integrated with the GNOME desktop environment, providing a seamless experience for users of GNOME-based Linux distributions.
  • Extensive Features
    Offers functionalities like file preview, search, sorting, and filtering options that enhance productivity and simplify file management.
  • Plugin Support
    Supports extensions and plugins that allow users to add additional functionality according to their needs.
  • Consistent Updates
    Nautilus is regularly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring it remains modern and efficient.

Possible disadvantages of Nautilus

  • Limited Configuration Options
    Compared to some other file managers, Nautilus offers fewer customization options, which might not satisfy power users.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported that Nautilus can become slow or unresponsive when managing a large number of files or complex directories.
  • Dependence on GNOME
    While integration with GNOME is a pro, it can also be a con for users preferring other desktop environments, as Nautilus may pull in many GNOME dependencies.
  • Legacy Features Removed
    Over the years, some features have been deprecated or removed, which can be frustrating for users accustomed to those functionalities.

Caja features and specs

  • Lightweight
    Caja is known for being lightweight and fast, making it a good choice for systems with limited resources.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, providing a smooth user experience even for those new to Linux environments.
  • Integration with MATE Desktop
    Caja is the default file manager for the MATE desktop environment, offering seamless integration and consistent user experience across the system.
  • Extensible
    Caja supports various plugins and extensions, allowing users to customize and extend its functionality to better suit their needs.
  • Active Development
    It is actively maintained and developed by the MATE community, ensuring regular updates, improvements, and security patches.

Possible disadvantages of Caja

  • Limited Features Compared to Others
    While it is lightweight, Caja might lack some advanced features found in other file managers like advanced search options or built-in terminal integration.
  • Less Customizable Interface
    Caja offers fewer options for interface customization compared to other file managers, which might be a limitation for users who prefer highly personalized setups.
  • Dependency on MATE
    Optimal performance and features are best realized within the MATE desktop environment, which might restrict its appeal to users of other desktop environments.
  • Resource Usage in Larger Directories
    Caja may experience performance slow-downs when dealing with very large directories, which can affect user efficiency.
  • Plugin Availability
    While extensible, the range of available plugins might not be as extensive as those available for more popular file managers like Nautilus or Dolphin.

Nautilus videos

2019 Lincoln Nautilus Review - Worth Getting Over The Ford Edge?

More videos:

  • Review - 2019 Lincoln Nautilus - Review & Road Test
  • Review - The 2020 Lincoln Nautilus is America's "Lexus RX" with a Twin-Turbo V6 Engine

Caja videos

¡La caja más kawaii del mundo! SORTEO + Review - Kawaii Box ✎ Craftingeek

More videos:

  • Review - UNBOXING CAJA GIGANTE EXCLUSIVA - The Last of Us Parte 2
  • Review - Mini Caja Fuerte Mitzu BCF 2217 | Unboxing Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Nautilus and Caja)
FTP Client
30 30%
70% 70
File Manager
34 34%
66% 66
File Explorer
45 45%
55% 55
File Management
18 18%
82% 82

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Nautilus and Caja, you can also consider the following products

Thunar - Thunar is a modern file manager for the Xfce Desktop Environment.

Nemo - Nemo is the official file manager for the ...

Krusader - Krusader is an advanced twin panel (commander style) file manager for KDE and other desktops in the *nix world, similar to Midnight or Total Commander.‎Get your copy of the Krusader .

Midnight Commander - GNU Midnight Commander is a visual file manager, licensed under GNU General Public License and...

Dolphin File Manager - Dolphin is a file manager for KDE focusing on usability.

fman - An unexpected gift. January 07, 2018 by Michael. One of the nice things that happened last week was an fman user writing in to say that 1) fman "is THE BEST SOFTWARE" (sic). And that 2) he would like to send me a $50 tip.