WhimFiles is a native macOS file manager built around fast, real-time filtering. Instead of digging through endless Finder windows, you narrow any folder by type, date, and size all at once, search recursively across subfolders, and jump anywhere with fuzzy "Go to Folder/File". Type a few letters of a path and go straight there, the way Cmd + P works in a code editor.
Beyond filtering, it's a full file manager: browse two folders side by side in dual-pane, open as many tabs as you need (each remembering its own folders and filters), and preview images and PDFs on hover without opening them. It also includes batch rename with find & replace and regex, image conversion (HEIC, WebP, and AVIF to JPG or PNG), zip creation, bookmarks, Quick Look, and a command palette. Nearly every operation has a keyboard shortcut, so you can work entirely from the keyboard.
WhimFiles is a native app, so it launches instantly and the whole app is only around 9 MB. It's a one-time purchase ($19.99) with no subscription. Apple Silicon, macOS 12 or later, with a 30-day free trial.