Overview

Dolphin covers the core job of browsing, creating, moving, and deleting files and folders, then adds ways to handle common tasks without leaving the file manager. Tabs keep several folders open, while split view puts two locations side by side for drag-and-drop copying or moving. Those options are practical for sorting files across drives or repeatedly working between project folders.

It is free and open source under GPL-2.0-or-later. KDE says its software has no ads, spyware, subscriptions, forced updates, or secret crypto-mining. That makes Dolphin a straightforward fit for readers who want software they can use, study, change, and redistribute.

Key features

Flexible browsing and file work

Grid, detailed, and tree views serve different needs: visual browsing, inspecting file details, or following folder structure. Most behavior can be configured, which gives users room to shape the workflow, though readers seeking a fixed, minimal interface may not need that flexibility.

Batch rename, archive support, and right-click actions for compressing, sharing, and duplicating files bring useful operations close to the files themselves. Custom context actions add room for specialized routines. Tabs and split view make those tools more useful when a task involves many folders rather than one-off file access.

Remote locations and plugins

Dolphin can display files from internet cloud services and remote machines. Its extensions include Google Drive, Amazon S3, Samba sharing, and local network services; plugins also cover Git, Nextcloud synchronization, Dropbox sync actions, Bazaar, Mercurial, and disk-image mounting. This range can make Dolphin a useful hub for mixed local and remote work, but the breadth of integrations may be unnecessary for someone who only needs a basic local file browser.

Terminal in the current folder

The integrated terminal runs commands in the folder being viewed. That is a meaningful convenience for users who move between graphical file handling and command-line tasks, without turning Dolphin into a substitute for a dedicated terminal.

Pricing

Dolphin is free, with a free plan at 0.00 USD per free. The plan is the file manager, with Linux and Windows downloads listed; there is no free trial because no paid plan is required. There are no seat or quota limits stated for this plan.

KDE accepts donations through PayPal and other ways. Linux users can install through Discover, other AppStream stores, or a distribution package manager; a Flathub download is also offered. The Windows installers are nightly builds generated from the development branch and intended for testing, so Windows users looking for a regular stable release should be cautious about choosing Dolphin on that basis.

Platforms

Dolphin supports Linux and Windows. Linux installation options include distribution package managers and AppStream stores, with Flathub also offered. Nightly Flatpak and Windows installers are available for testing and come from the development branch. The Windows option therefore carries a less settled release profile than a typical stable desktop download.

Who it's for

Dolphin is a strong fit for Linux users who want one free tool for everyday file management, side-by-side folder work, remote storage, and optional plugins. It also suits users who value open-source licensing and configurable behavior. Windows users can consider it if they are comfortable with testing builds, but it is a weaker match for anyone who needs a clearly stable Windows release.

Pros and cons

Pro: Tabs and split view make moving or copying between folders direct, especially in multi-folder workflows.
Pro: Three browsing modes, configurable behavior, batch rename, and archive actions cover varied file-management routines.
Pro: Remote storage and plugins extend its reach to cloud services, network shares, version-control tools, and synchronization workflows.
Pro: Free and open source, with no ads, spyware, subscriptions, forced updates, or secret crypto-mining according to KDE.
Con: Windows downloads are nightly testing installers from the development branch, which is a material caveat for users seeking a stable release.
Con: Its broad configuration and plugin options may be more than users need if they only want a simple local file browser.

Alternatives

For a different option, browse the File Manager Software directory.

WinSCP is a better choice for Windows users focused on file transfer: it is a free, open-source client for SFTP, FTP, FTPS, SCP, WebDAV, and S3.
Total Commander is worth considering for readers who want a freemium file manager with Android and Windows platforms.
Filestash may suit readers seeking a freemium option with broad platform coverage, including web and self-hosted use; its Hobby plan supports up to three users.
Krusader is another free Linux option.
FreeCommander is a Windows alternative with a freemium model.
Midnight Commander is a free alternative for Linux and macOS.
TagSpaces is a freemium alternative spanning desktop, mobile, web, and self-hosted platforms.
GNOME Commander is another free Linux option.

Verdict

Choose Dolphin if you want a free, open-source file manager that combines flexible folder browsing with remote access, plugins, and a terminal in the current folder. Its everyday file tools and split view make it especially compelling for Linux users who routinely move between locations. Look elsewhere if you need a stable Windows release rather than a nightly testing build, or if your file-management needs are limited to a simpler local browser.

	Dolphin	NexusFile
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	Yes	No
Platforms	Linux, Windows	Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Supported platforms	linux, windows	Windows
Dual-pane view	Yes	Yes
Tabbed interface	Yes	—
Batch rename	Yes	Yes
Archive support	Yes	Yes
Cloud storage access	Yes	—
Portable version	—	Yes

Dolphin vs NexusFile

Dolphin

NexusFile