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Head-to-head · File Manager Software

Dolphin vs WinSCP

  • 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
WinSCP #3 in File Manager Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 6 features Visit WinSCP

Dolphin leads on 0 checks, WinSCP 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 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

Dolphin is the better fit for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager. WinSCP is the better fit for windows users focused on secure file transfers.

  • Dolphin fits best

    Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

  • WinSCP fits best

    Windows users focused on secure file transfers

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Side by side

Feature Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗ WinSCP 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 9.0
Ranking #2 in File Manager Software #3 in File Manager Software
Best for Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager Windows users focused on secure file transfers
Pricing model Free Free
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 3 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Dolphin 5/6 · WinSCP 0/6
Dual-pane view ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Tabbed interface ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Batch rename ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Archive support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Cloud storage access ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Portable version Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms linux, windows Not checked yet
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
  • Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV, and S3 transfers
  • Combines graphical interfaces with scripting and command-line tools
  • Adds synchronization, workspaces, tunneling, and port forwarding
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 platform support
  • No AI features
  • No paid tiers with additional product features
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 →

WinSCP is a free, open-source Windows application for transferring files between local and remote computers. It suits Windows users who need secure file transfers alongside file-management and automation tools. Protocol support includes…

Read the review →
  1. DolphinFile Manager Software 9.1Free plan
  2. WinSCPFile Manager Software 9.0Free 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

  • WinSCP — where it wins

    • Supports SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV, and S3 transfers
    • Combines graphical interfaces with scripting and command-line tools
    • Adds synchronization, workspaces, tunneling, and port forwarding

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only platform support
    • No AI features
    • No paid tiers with additional product features
  • Dolphin9.1/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit KDEFull verdict →
  • WinSCP9.0/10 · Free plan

    A capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.

    Visit WinSCPFull 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