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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Dolphin vs Multi Commander

  • 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
Multi Commander #12 in File Manager Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 6 of 6 features Try Multi Commander

Dolphin leads on 0 checks, Multi Commander on 0, and 7 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 planboth
  • Most featuresMulti Commander · 6 of 6

Dolphin scores higher on our rubric for file manager software: 9.1 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #12.

Dolphin is the better fit for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager. Multi Commander is the better fit for windows users seeking broad free functionality.

  • Dolphin fits best

    Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

  • Multi Commander fits best

    Windows users seeking broad free functionality

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Side by side

Feature Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Multi Commander 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 7.9
Ranking #2 in File Manager Software #12 in File Manager Software
Best for Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager Windows users seeking broad free functionality
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop, Self-hosted
Platforms Linux, Windows Windows
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs, Tickets
Integrations 5 integrations 5 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Dolphin 5/6 · Multi Commander 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
  • Dual-pane tabs support faster multi-location file work.
  • Batch renaming, archives, search and duplicate detection are included.
  • Portable USB operation plus FTP, SFTP and cloud integrations.
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
  • Available only for Windows.
  • The broad feature set may exceed basic file-management needs.
  • Scripting, plug-ins and extensions require more advanced workflows.
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 →

Multi Commander is a free file manager for Windows users who want an alternative to Windows Explorer. Its dual-panel workspace and tabbed interface support work across multiple locations, while keyboard and mouse controls provide different…

Read the review →
  1. DolphinFile Manager Software 9.1Free plan
  2. Multi CommanderFile Manager Software 7.9Free 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

  • Multi Commander — where it wins

    • Dual-pane tabs support faster multi-location file work.
    • Batch renaming, archives, search and duplicate detection are included.
    • Portable USB operation plus FTP, SFTP and cloud integrations.

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for Windows.
    • The broad feature set may exceed basic file-management needs.
    • Scripting, plug-ins and extensions require more advanced workflows.

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