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Midnight Commander vs TrayIt!

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

Midnight Commander icon
Midnight Commander
TrayIt! icon
TrayIt!

Midnight Commander vs TrayIt!: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Midnight Commander: Midnight Commander is a visual file manager and shell for Unix-like systems. It allows you to easily manage files and folders, copy/move files, view file contents, and run shell commands. Useful for power users who want an efficient file manager.

TrayIt!: TrayIt! is a free system tray utility that allows you to easily minimize any windows application to the system tray. It helps reduce desktop clutter by hiding open applications in the tray instead of leaving them open on the desktop.

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 Midnight Commander TrayIt!
Sugggest Score — —
Category File Management Os & Utilities
Pricing Open Source —

Product Overview

Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander

Description: Midnight Commander is a visual file manager and shell for Unix-like systems. It allows you to easily manage files and folders, copy/move files, view file contents, and run shell commands. Useful for power users who want an efficient file manager.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

TrayIt!
TrayIt!

Description: TrayIt! is a free system tray utility that allows you to easily minimize any windows application to the system tray. It helps reduce desktop clutter by hiding open applications in the tray instead of leaving them open on the desktop.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander Features
  • Two panel interface for easy file management
  • Built-in text editor and file viewer
  • Shell access from within the program
  • Navigation via keyboard shortcuts
  • Support for archives like tar and zip
  • Plugin system for extensibility
  • Available for Linux, BSD, and other Unix-like systems
TrayIt!
TrayIt! Features
  • Minimize any window to the system tray
  • Configure hotkeys for minimizing/restoring windows
  • Blacklist apps to prevent minimizing
  • Remember window positions when restoring
  • Portable mode
  • Multi-language support

Pros & Cons Analysis

Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander

Pros

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Very efficient for power users
  • No mouse needed for navigation
  • Extensible via plugins
  • Cross-platform - works on many Unix systems

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • Not as intuitive as GUI file managers
  • Limited support for non-Unix systems
TrayIt!
TrayIt!

Pros

  • Simple and lightweight
  • Minimizes any window, not just apps with tray icons
  • Lets you reduce desktop clutter
  • Free with no ads or nagware

Cons

  • Basic feature set
  • No window grouping or tabs
  • Can only minimize, not close apps
  • Setup requires a reboot

Pricing Comparison

Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander
  • Open Source
TrayIt!
TrayIt!
  • Not listed

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Learn More About Each Product

Midnight Commander
Midnight Commander
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
TrayIt!
TrayIt!
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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