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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Dolphin vs Krusader

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 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
Krusader #4 in File Manager Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 6 features Visit Krusader

Dolphin leads on 0 checks, Krusader on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 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 planboth
  • Most featuresDolphin · 5 of 6

Dolphin scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.

Dolphin is the better fit for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager. Krusader is the better fit for linux users needing advanced file operations.

  • Dolphin fits best

    Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

  • Krusader fits best

    Linux users needing advanced file operations

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Side by side

Feature Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Krusader 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #2 in File Manager Software #4 in File Manager Software
Best for Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager Linux users needing advanced file operations
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux, Windows Linux
Support Community, Docs Docs
Integrations 5 integrations 7 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Dolphin 5/6 · Krusader 4/6
Dual-pane view ✓ ✓
Tabbed interface ✓ ✓
Batch rename ✓ ✓
Archive support ✓ ✓
Cloud storage access ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms linux, windows linux
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
  • Twin panels, tabs, archives, batch renaming, and advanced search
  • Remote access through FTP, NFS, Samba, FISH, SFTP, and WebDAV
  • Synchronization, comparison, checksums, mount management, and disk tools
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
  • Platform support is focused on Linux desktops
  • Some environments require KDE Frameworks libraries
  • Its extensive feature set may exceed basic file-management needs
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 →

Krusader is an open-source file manager for Linux and other Unix-like desktops, designed around twin panels and tabbed folder views. It suits Linux users who need more than basic browsing, particularly people managing local files alongside…

Read the review →
  1. DolphinFile Manager Software 9.1Free plan
  2. KrusaderFile Manager Software 8.8Free plan

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

  • Krusader — where it wins

    • Twin panels, tabs, archives, batch renaming, and advanced search
    • Remote access through FTP, NFS, Samba, FISH, SFTP, and WebDAV
    • Synchronization, comparison, checksums, mount management, and disk tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Platform support is focused on Linux desktops
    • Some environments require KDE Frameworks libraries
    • Its extensive feature set may exceed basic file-management needs

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