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Best Dolphin alternatives in 2026

Dolphin is KDE's file manager with tabs, split views and a tree view. These 9 alternatives come from the same rankings, ordered by editorial score. Connected products carry a small, disclosed lift.

9 alternatives From best file managers How we rank Share

Ranked alternatives

  1. Total Commander

    The most established dual-panel manager here for Windows, with tabs, a multi-rename tool and a built-in FTP client with FTPS. It costs 42 euros per license, unlike the open-source options in this list.

    Best for Power users on Windows who work with dual panels and FTP

    WindowsPaid

    92.0of 100
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  2. Directory Opus

    Is a one-time purchase. A paid Windows file manager that its vendor calls a complete replacement for Explorer. It uses a one-time licence after a 30-day trial, and the site notes that ARM is not currently supported.

    Best for Windows users who want an Explorer replacement

    WindowsOne-time purchase

    90.5of 100
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  3. Double Commander

    Also runs on macOS. The strongest free dual-panel option, with source under GPL-2.0 and builds for Windows, Linux and macOS. Its interface is less polished than Total Commander's, so expect a short adjustment period.

    Best for Free dual-panel file management on three systems

    WindowsLinuxmacOSFree and open sourceOpen source

    89.5of 100
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  4. XYplorer

    A portable Windows replacement for Explorer with dual panes and tabs. Its trial is fully functional for 30 days, and the Standard license costs $34.95 per user.

    Best for Windows users who want a portable dual-pane manager

    WindowsPaid

    87.0of 100
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  5. Midnight Commander

    Also runs on macOS. A free dual-pane file manager that runs in a terminal on Linux, macOS and BSD under the GNU GPL. It is the only text-mode dual-pane tool in this list, and it has no native desktop window.

    Best for Terminal users who want two panes for copying files

    LinuxmacOSCommand lineFree and open sourceOpen source

    86.0of 100
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  6. Files

    A free, open-source Windows file manager with tabs, file tags and a modern interface. Its Windows-only focus and community-run support make it a narrower choice than the paid Windows managers above.

    Best for Free modern file management on Windows with tags

    WindowsFree and open sourceOpen source

    84.5of 100
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  7. Nautilus

    The default file manager of the GNOME desktop, simple and well integrated, with icon grid, list and tree views. It has no dual-panel mode and runs on Linux only.

    Best for GNOME desktop users who want a simple default manager

    LinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    82.0of 100
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  8. Nemo

    The official file manager of the Cinnamon desktop, a fork of GNOME Files under GPL-2.0. It fits Cinnamon users and runs on Linux only, so it is a close relative of Nautilus rather than a choice for other desktops.

    Best for Cinnamon desktop users who want a native file manager

    LinuxFree and open sourceOpen source

    81.5of 100
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  9. Q-Dir

    A free Windows file manager that shows up to four folder windows at once, with tabs, favourites and a portable version from v2.77. It is Windows only, and its source is not described on its site.

    Best for Windows users who copy between several folders

    WindowsFree

    80.5of 100
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Narrow the alternatives

Dolphin alternatives for macOS

Compare Dolphin head to head

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About Dolphin alternatives

What is the best alternative to Dolphin?
On listme.name the highest-scored alternative is Total Commander, followed by Directory Opus. The right choice depends on price, platform and whether you need open source.
Is there a free alternative to Dolphin?
Yes. Free options include Double Commander, Midnight Commander, Files.

Before you switch

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