Dolphin vs Files

Dolphin9.1Visit Files7.3Visit

Higher score Dolphin #2 in File Manager Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit KDE

vs

Files #17 in File Manager Software 7.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 6 features Visit Files

• Dolphin fits best

  Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

• Files fits best

  Windows users wanting a modern free manager

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Side by side

Feature	Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗	Files 7.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.1	7.3
Ranking	#2 in File Manager Software	#17 in File Manager Software
Best for	Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager	Windows users wanting a modern free manager
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Linux, Windows	Windows
Support	Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	5 integrations	20 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Dolphin 5/6 · Files 5/6
Dual-pane view	✓	✓
Tabbed interface	✓	✓
Batch rename	✓	✓
Archive support	✓	✓
Cloud storage access	✓	✓
Portable version	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
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	Dual panes, tabs, layouts, previews, and a Command Palette Batch renaming plus ZIP and 7z archive management Supports many cloud-drive clients and includes Git actions
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 availability Cloud access depends on supported desktop clients No AI features or cross-platform version
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 →	Files is an open-source desktop file manager for Windows, aimed at users who want more structure and control than a basic folder browser. Its free version combines tabbed navigation, dual-pane folder management, multiple layouts, file and… Read the review →

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

• Files — where it wins

  • Dual panes, tabs, layouts, previews, and a Command Palette
  • Batch renaming plus ZIP and 7z archive management
  • Supports many cloud-drive clients and includes Git actions

  Where it doesn't

  • Windows-only availability
  • Cloud access depends on supported desktop clients
  • No AI features or cross-platform version

• Dolphin9.1/10 · Free plan

  A capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.

  Visit KDEFull verdict →
• Files7.3/10 · Free plan

  A free, flexible Windows manager with tabs, dual panes, archives, previews, and cloud access.

  Visit FilesFull verdict →