| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · File managers | 8.6 (#6) | 8.5 (#7) |
| Spec score · Terminal File Managers | 8.2 (#13) | 7.8 (#21) |
| Archive support | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-pane layout | Yes | Yes |
| File operations | It supports bulk file operations, pattern-based bulk rename, optional trash with restore, and undo for common operations. | Features include undoing, redoing, and backgrounding operations, as well as trash. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Intended users | The README describes RTFM as suited to power users wanting SSH workflows, undo, AI integration, and a broad feature set. | The site describes Vifm for people who use vi and want keyboard control over files using familiar commands. |
| Platforms | The installation instructions list Ubuntu/Debian, Arch Linux derivatives, and macOS. | The site describes Vifm as cross platform for GNU/Linux, *BSD, Solaris, Windows, and Mac OS, and UTF 8 aware. |
| Purpose | RTFM is a feature-rich terminal file manager written in pure Ruby. | Vifm is a curses based file manager that provides a Vim like environment for managing filesystems. |
| Support | The maker invites bug reports and feature requests through the GitHub issues page and code contributions through pull requests. | The site directs general usage questions to its Q&A site, where registration is not required, and lists GitHub issues, SourceForge tracker, and email for other contact. |