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Dolphin

Free#2 of 100 in File Manager Software

Dolphin: A capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops. Ranked #2 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager.

9.1/10Editor score

Visit KDE

Dolphin9.1 Visit KDE

At a glance

Editor score
9.1 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Free Linux users wanting a standard desktop manager
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Supported platforms
linux, windows
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

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

Our verdict on Dolphin

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 through KDE integrations. Its audience is primarily Linux users who want a standard desktop manager with more control over navigation, display, and file operations. Windows builds are also provided.

Its feature set covers both everyday browsing and more involved file management. Tabs and split-pane views help compare or move files between folders, while configurable icon, compact, details, and tree views let users adjust how directories are presented. Dolphin also includes batch renaming, search with filename and content filtering, archive compression and extraction, drag-and-drop operations, context-menu actions, and an integrated terminal. Custom actions and plugins extend the file manager beyond its default behavior, while previews support file inspection within the browsing workflow.

Dolphin’s main distinction is its combination of a free GPL-2.0-or-later license with remote and cloud-location access through KDE integrations. Listed integrations include Google Drive, Amazon S3, Nextcloud, Dropbox, and Samba. That makes it a strong choice for Linux users who want local and connected storage handled in one desktop interface without a paid plan. It is less compelling for people seeking a platform-neutral file manager or a product centered on commercial support and paid service tiers. Users already working in Linux-oriented desktop environments should find the feature coverage aligned with standard desktop file management needs.

Your product? Our editors can test Dolphin in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Dolphin pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on apps.kde.org

Dolphin fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	linux, windows
Dual-pane view	Yes
Tabbed interface	Yes
Batch rename	Yes
Archive support	Yes
Cloud storage access	Yes
Portable version	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Linux, Windows
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations	5 integrations: Google Drive, Amazon S3, Nextcloud, Dropbox, Samba
Pricing	Free plan
Website	apps.kde.org
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

Dolphin integrations

Dolphin lists 5 integrations on its own site.

Google Drive
Amazon S3
Nextcloud
Dropbox
Samba

Alternatives to Dolphin

See all Dolphin alternatives →

Dolphin vs the competition

Compare Dolphin with any tool side by side →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Dolphin for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Dolphin is listed in our File Manager Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/dolphin-file-manager/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/dolphin-file-manager.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update