Czkawka

Czkawka is a free tool for finding duplicate and unnecessary files. It can locate duplicate or empty files, empty folders, temporary and large files, similar images and videos, and duplicate music. Scans cover user-selected files and directories, with matches identified by file name, file size, full-file hash, or a combination of size and name. The tools include previews, automatic selection, folder exclusions, and sending selected items to the Recycle Bin or Trash. The project provides graphical and command-line frontends, an Android frontend, a core library, and Python bindings. It says the software uses multithreading and caching to help with scans, and has no internet access or collection of user information or statistics. Czkawka is listed for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The last Czkawka GTK release is version 12.0, and the project says it will not provide more binaries for that frontend. Krokiet prebuilt binaries have no mandatory runtime dependencies, though its similar-videos tool requires ffmpeg at runtime. The maintainer invites bug reports and fix contributions through the project’s issue process. The Free plan costs nothing.

Czkawka offers multiple file-finding tools and matching methods, with both graphical and command-line options. Note the GTK frontend’s release status and the ffmpeg requirement for similar-video searches in Krokiet.

Czkawka suits users who want to scan selected folders or files for duplicates and other unnecessary items, with GUI or CLI options. It may also suit developers interested in its reusable core library or Python bindings.

Overview

Czkawka is a free file-cleanup utility for people who want to find duplicates and other clutter in folders they choose. Its range of search tools and matching methods makes it a flexible option, though the GTK frontend is no longer receiving new binaries.

It combines duplicate-file searches with tools for empty files and folders, temporary and large files, similar images and videos, and duplicate music. You can review matches with file previews, use automatic selection, exclude folders, and move selected items to the Recycle Bin or Trash. The breadth is useful for a varied cleanup, but it does not replace a dedicated tool when a narrow task or a particular supported platform matters more.

Key features

Multiple matching methods

Duplicate-file searches can compare names, sizes, full-file hashes, or a combination of size and name. This gives users options for identifying candidates without relying on a single matching method. Separate tools handle similar images, videos, and music, so Czkawka covers more than exact file duplicates. Previewing results and automatic selection can help manage a long list, while folder exclusions and trash support provide ways to narrow scans and remove selected items.

Scanning and privacy

Scans target user-selected files and directories. Czkawka's project says it uses multithreading, efficient algorithms, and caching to speed up later scans; those design choices are promising for repeated work, but no scan-time benchmarks are provided. The project also says the software has no internet access and collects no user information or statistics, a clear advantage for people who prefer local file-management tools.

Frontends and dependencies

The project provides graphical and command-line frontends, an Android frontend, and the reusable czkawka_core library, with Python bindings available. The Czkawka GTK 12.0 release is the last, and no new binaries are planned for that frontend, so users looking for continuing GTK binaries should consider another route. Krokiet's prebuilt binaries have no mandatory runtime dependencies, but its similar-videos tool requires ffmpeg at runtime.

Pricing

Czkawka is free to use: its Free plan costs nothing, with no ads. There is no free trial because the software is already offered as a free plan. No paid plan is given, making it a practical fit for individuals or teams that want file-finding tools without a subscription or per-use charge.

Platforms

Czkawka lists Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows support, with cross-platform coverage. The project offers GUI and CLI frontends, but the GTK 12.0 release is its final one and will not receive new binaries. Users choosing a frontend should account for that release status; Krokiet's similar-video search also needs ffmpeg installed at runtime.

Who it's for

Czkawka suits people who want one free utility for finding different kinds of unwanted files across selected folders, especially those who value multiple duplicate-matching methods, previews, exclusions, and trash handling. Its CLI and reusable core library also make it relevant to users who prefer command-line tools or want to build around the project. It is a weaker fit for anyone who needs continued GTK binary releases or wants a similar-video search that works without ffmpeg.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free, ad-free use makes the full set of file-finding tools accessible without a paid plan.
• Pros: Name, size, full-file hash, and combined size-plus-name matching give duplicate searches several approaches.
• Pros: File previews, automatic selection, folder exclusions, and Recycle Bin or Trash support help users review and manage results.
• Pros: The project says the app has no internet access and collects no user information or statistics.
• Cons: The GTK 12.0 release is the last, with no new binaries planned for that frontend.
• Cons: Similar-video searches in Krokiet require ffmpeg at runtime.

Alternatives

For more options, browse Duplicate File Finders.

• dupeGuru is another free option for finding duplicate files on Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if you want a cross-platform duplicate-file tool rather than Czkawka's broader set of cleanup searches.
• AllDup is free for private users and companies, but supports Windows only; it may suit a Windows-only search for duplicate files.
• CloneSpy is a free duplicate-file cleanup tool for Windows; pick it if that platform-specific focus fits your needs.
• Duplicate Files Fixer has a free version that scans unlimited files but removes no more than 15 duplicates at once, then one at a time. Its paid plan costs €35.95 a year; it may suit Android, macOS, or Windows users looking for a paid alternative.
• Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro is a paid option with a free trial, covering Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. Consider it if you want a photos-focused alternative or need iOS support.
• Folder Size offers a free Windows plan for folder and file size analysis, disk-usage charts, and local and external drive scanning. Choose it when understanding storage use matters more than Czkawka's duplicate and other clutter searches.
• Auslogics Driver Updater is a Windows driver-updater alternative.
• Duplicate Cleaner has a free version for basic personal and home use, with no commercial use; its Pro plan is a paid alternative.

Verdict

Czkawka is a strong choice for anyone who wants a free, privacy-oriented way to search selected folders for duplicate files and several other kinds of clutter. Its multiple match methods and wide set of search tools are the main reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if you need new GTK binaries or want Krokiet's similar-video search without ffmpeg.