Dolphin review
A capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Dolphin pros and cons
- 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
Dolphin fact sheet, pricing and score →
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