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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Dolphin vs Midnight Commander

  • 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
Midnight Commander #6 in File Manager Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 6 features Visit site

Dolphin leads on 0 checks, Midnight Commander 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 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Dolphin is the better fit for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager. Midnight Commander is the better fit for linux and macOS terminal users.

  • Dolphin fits best

    Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

  • Midnight Commander fits best

    Linux and macOS terminal users

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Side by side

Feature Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Midnight Commander 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.6
Ranking #2 in File Manager Software #6 in File Manager Software
Best for Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager Linux and macOS terminal users
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux, Windows Linux, macOS
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Dolphin 5/6 · Midnight Commander 3/6
Dual-pane view ✓ ✓
Tabbed interface ✓ (best) Not checked yet
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, macos
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-pane browsing with core file operations and tree navigation
  • Batch selection, mask-based renaming, archives, search, and diffs
  • Works in terminals over SSH and other remote shells
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
  • Text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager
  • Volunteer-based support does not include commercial-grade service levels
  • Focused on Unix-like systems rather than broad desktop platform coverage
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 →

Midnight Commander is a free, open-source, full-screen file manager for Unix-like systems, aimed at people who manage files from Linux or macOS terminals. Its two directory panels provide a focused way to navigate folders and perform…

Read the review →
  1. DolphinFile Manager Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Midnight CommanderFile Manager Software 8.6Free 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

  • Midnight Commander — where it wins

    • Dual-pane browsing with core file operations and tree navigation
    • Batch selection, mask-based renaming, archives, search, and diffs
    • Works in terminals over SSH and other remote shells

    Where it doesn't

    • Text-mode design may not suit users seeking a graphical file manager
    • Volunteer-based support does not include commercial-grade service levels
    • Focused on Unix-like systems rather than broad desktop platform coverage
  • Dolphin9.1/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit KDEFull verdict →
  • Midnight Commander8.6/10 · Free plan

    A capable open-source terminal file manager for Linux and macOS workflows.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

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