FileBot alternative
A FileBot alternative with an Inbox for unsure matches and Undo.
FileBot is a mature renamer with format expressions and a strong command line. MetaTana renames too, then writes NFO and artwork beside each file, files Good matches on its own, and keeps an Undo history.
How the two compare.
| Area | FileBot | MetaTana |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free to try. Continued use needs a licence: US$8 a year or US$80 for life. | Free. Pro is US$5 a month or US$50 a year. |
| Runtime | Windows, macOS and Linux, NAS packages, and Docker images. | Desktop app for macOS (Apple silicon), Windows and Linux, or Docker with a web UI. |
| Naming | Format expressions, from built-in schemes to Groovy scripts. | Patterns with presets for Plex, Jellyfin, Emby and Kodi, and a preview on your own files. |
| Files beside the video | Fetches artwork and subtitles. Its AMC script can also write NFO files and artwork. | NFO, artwork and season art named for each media server, set per folder. Subtitle search is in Pro. |
| Automation | Command-line interface for scripts. | API key and CLI, hooks and webhooks, and an MCP server, all in Pro. |
When MetaTana fits better.
- You want NFO files and artwork set per folder for your media server, without writing a script.
- You would rather pick a preset than write format expressions.
- You want unsure matches held for you instead of renamed.
- You want Undo for renames and moves, and watched sync with your media servers.
- You want the core app free.
Moving over.
Keep your names
Files FileBot already renamed scan cleanly, so most of the first pass is matching.
Pick a preset
Choose Plex, Jellyfin, Emby or Kodi naming, or write your own pattern and preview it.
Write metadata
Choose your media server for the folder and MetaTana writes NFO and artwork beside each title.
Check Activity
Every rename and move is listed there, with Undo.
FAQ
Is MetaTana affiliated with FileBot?
No. MetaTana is not affiliated with FileBot. This page compares the two from their public docs.
Is MetaTana free?
Yes. Scanning, matching, renaming, NFO and artwork, media-server sync and Undo are Free. Pro is US$5 a month or US$50 a year and adds hosted metadata, AI Vision, subtitle search, Trakt, hooks and webhooks, the API key and CLI, and the MCP server.
Is FileBot still a good tool?
Yes. Its format expressions and command line are strong for scripted renaming. MetaTana suits people who want metadata written with the rename, an Inbox for unsure matches, and Undo.
Can MetaTana rename like FileBot?
Yes. Pick a preset or write a pattern, check the preview, and rename. Subtitles and artwork move with each file, renames can be undone in Activity, and the video files themselves are never edited.
Rename once, and keep the NFO and artwork in step.
Start with one folder. Good matches file themselves and the rest wait in your Inbox.