Total Commander vs Dolphin

Total Commander9.3Visit Dolphin9.1Visit

Higher score Total Commander #1 in File Manager Software 9.3/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 6 of 6 features Try Total Commander

vs

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

• Total Commander fits best

  Windows users wanting a complete file manager

• Dolphin fits best

  Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager

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Side by side

Feature	Total Commander 9.3/10 Visit ↗	Dolphin 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	9.1
Ranking	#1 in File Manager Software	#2 in File Manager Software
Best for	Windows users wanting a complete file manager	Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, Android	Linux, Windows
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Community, Docs
Integrations	11 integrations	5 integrations
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features Total Commander 6/6 · Dolphin 5/6
Dual-pane view	✓	✓
Tabbed interface	✓	✓
Batch rename	✓	✓
Archive support	✓	✓
Cloud storage access	✓	✓
Portable version	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms	windows, android	linux, windows
Our review
Pros	Dual-pane browsing with tabs, search, comparison, and synchronization Archives, batch renaming, FTP/FTPS, and cloud access via plugins Portable USB installation can include plugins and settings	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
Cons	Cloud and protocol access may require plugins Windows license is a one-time purchase rather than free software The feature set may exceed the needs of users wanting simple file browsing	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
Our verdict	Total Commander is a file manager for Windows and Android aimed at users who need more control over browsing, organizing, transferring, and comparing files. Its Windows edition combines two file windows, tabs, enhanced search, batch… Read the review →	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 →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Total Commander — where it wins

  • Dual-pane browsing with tabs, search, comparison, and synchronization
  • Archives, batch renaming, FTP/FTPS, and cloud access via plugins
  • Portable USB installation can include plugins and settings

  Where it doesn't

  • Cloud and protocol access may require plugins
  • Windows license is a one-time purchase rather than free software
  • The feature set may exceed the needs of users wanting simple file browsing

• 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

• Total Commander9.3/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

  A feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.

  Try Total CommanderFull verdict →
• Dolphin9.1/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit KDEFull verdict →