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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Dolphin vs Directory Opus

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 7 checks side by side
Higher score Dolphin #2 in File Manager Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit KDE
Directory Opus #9 in File Manager Software 8.3/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit Directory Opus

Dolphin leads on 1 check, Directory Opus on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 7 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDolphin · 9.1/10
  • Free planonly Dolphin
  • Free trialonly Directory Opus
  • Most featuresDirectory Opus · 6 of 6

Dolphin scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 9.1 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #9.

Dolphin offers free plan; Directory Opus doesn't.

Dolphin is the better fit for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager. Directory Opus is the better fit for windows power users needing customization.

  • Dolphin fits best

    Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

  • Directory Opus fits best

    Windows power users needing customization

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Side by side

Feature Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Directory Opus 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.3
Ranking #2 in File Manager Software #9 in File Manager Software
Best for Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager Windows power users needing customization
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux, Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Email, Community
Integrations 5 integrations 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features Dolphin 5/6 · Directory Opus 6/6
Dual-pane view ✓ ✓
Tabbed interface ✓ ✓
Batch rename ✓ ✓
Archive support ✓ ✓
Cloud storage access ✓ ✓
Portable version Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Specs
Supported platforms linux, windows windows
Our review
Pros
  • Tabbed browsing, split panes, search, and configurable file views
  • Batch renaming, archive handling, previews, and integrated terminal access
  • KDE integrations support remote locations and services such as Google Drive and Nextcloud
  • Highly configurable panes, tabs, menus, toolbars and hotkeys
  • Batch renaming supports macros, metadata and scripts
  • Syncs files across folders, network shares, archives and FTP
Cons
  • Its strongest fit is within Linux-oriented desktop environments
  • Windows builds are available, but the product centers on KDE workflows
  • Remote and cloud access depends on KDE integrations and configured services
  • Windows-only, with no current ARM support
  • No free plan; ongoing use requires a paid licence
  • The wide feature set may be more than casual users need
Our verdict

Dolphin is KDE’s open-source file manager for browsing and managing files on desktop computers. It handles local storage, including hard drives, USB sticks, and SD cards, while also supporting remote machines and internet cloud services…

Read the review →

Directory Opus is a Windows desktop file manager that can replace or complement Windows Explorer. It is aimed at users who need more control over file browsing, organization and repetitive file operations than a basic explorer provides.…

Read the review →
  1. DolphinFile Manager Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Directory OpusFile Manager Software 8.330-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Dolphin — where it wins

    • Tabbed browsing, split panes, search, and configurable file views
    • Batch renaming, archive handling, previews, and integrated terminal access
    • KDE integrations support remote locations and services such as Google Drive and Nextcloud

    Where it doesn't

    • Its strongest fit is within Linux-oriented desktop environments
    • Windows builds are available, but the product centers on KDE workflows
    • Remote and cloud access depends on KDE integrations and configured services

  • Directory Opus — where it wins

    • Highly configurable panes, tabs, menus, toolbars and hotkeys
    • Batch renaming supports macros, metadata and scripts
    • Syncs files across folders, network shares, archives and FTP

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only, with no current ARM support
    • No free plan; ongoing use requires a paid licence
    • The wide feature set may be more than casual users need

More comparisons

All file manager software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update