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Far Manager vs Start8

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Far Manager icon
Far Manager
Start8 icon
Start8

Far Manager vs Start8: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Far Manager: Far Manager is a free and open-source file manager for Microsoft Windows. It provides a dual-pane interface for easy file navigation, with features like multiple tabs, powerful search and replace, built-in editor and viewer, plugins and customizations.

Start8: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Far Manager Start8
Sugggest Score — —
Category File Management Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source —

Product Overview

Far Manager
Far Manager

Description: Far Manager is a free and open-source file manager for Microsoft Windows. It provides a dual-pane interface for easy file navigation, with features like multiple tabs, powerful search and replace, built-in editor and viewer, plugins and customizations.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Start8
Start8

Description: Start8 is a program that restores the Start menu and other interface features from Windows 7 and earlier versions in Windows 8 and 8.1. It brings back the familiar Start button, Start menu, and boot to desktop capabilities for users who prefer the classic Windows user experience.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Far Manager
Far Manager Features
  • Dual-pane interface
  • Tabs for multiple folders
  • Powerful search and replace
  • Built-in text editor and viewer
  • Plugin support
  • Customizable interface and shortcuts
Start8
Start8 Features
  • Restores the classic Start menu
  • Adds a Start button to the taskbar
  • Lets you boot directly to the desktop
  • Customizable Start menu with resizable tiles
  • Start menu skins and styles
  • Taskbar customization options
  • Advanced configuration settings

Pros & Cons Analysis

Far Manager
Far Manager

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Very customizable
  • Good keyboard support
  • Supports plugins for added functionality
  • Open source with active development

Cons

  • Dated looking interface
  • Steep learning curve
  • Less intuitive than Windows Explorer for casual users
  • Limited support for non-Windows platforms
Start8
Start8

Pros

  • Brings back familiar Windows 7 interface
  • Highly customizable
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • May not appeal to Windows 8 fans
  • Requires an extra program just to get basic Windows features
  • Some customization options require paid upgrades

Pricing Comparison

Far Manager
Far Manager
  • Open Source
Start8
Start8
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Far Manager
Far Manager
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
Start8
Start8
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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