Is Double Commander better than Dolphin?

Double Commander ranks higher in our list of file managers (#3 against #4, score 89.5 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Dolphin is best for: Linux desktop users on KDE Plasma. Double Commander is best for: free dual-panel file management on three systems.

Which is cheaper, Dolphin or Double Commander?

Dolphin: Free and open source; installed from Linux software stores. Double Commander: Free and open source under GPL-2.0.

Do Dolphin and Double Commander run on the same platforms?

Dolphin supports Linux, Windows. Double Commander supports Windows, Linux, macOS.

Comparison · File managers

Dolphin vs Double Commander: which is better in 2026?

Dolphin88.0#4 in best file managers

Double Commander89.5#3 in best file managers

Double Commander ranks higher in our list of file managers (#3 against #4, score 89.5 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

88.0
Editorial score
89.5
2
Platforms
3
Yes
Free to use
Yes
Yes
Open source
Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Dolphin if you want

Linux desktop users on KDE Plasma.

A strong pick for the KDE Plasma desktop, with tabs, split views, three view modes and an embedded terminal. It is strongest on Linux, and its Windows build plays a secondary role.

Choose Double Commander if you want

Free dual-panel file management on three systems.

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.

The main differences

Only Double Commander runs on macOS.

Side by side

	Dolphin	Double Commander
Score	88.0	89.5
Rank in list	#4 of 10	#3 of 10
Price	Free and open sourceFree and open source; installed from Linux software stores	Free and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0
Free to use	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Platforms	LinuxWindowsLinux, Windows	WindowsLinuxmacOSWindows, Linux, macOS
Made by	KDE	Not stated
Layout	Tabs and split view	Dual panels
Best for	Linux desktop users on KDE Plasma	Free dual-panel file management on three systems
Strengths	Tabs, split view and a tree view Free and open source under GPL-2.0-or-later	Free and open source under GPL-2.0 Two panels side by side on three systems
Limits	Works best with the KDE Plasma desktop Windows version is secondary to the Linux app	Support comes from the open-source community Interface is less polished than commercial alternatives
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Dolphin vs Double Commander

Is Double Commander better than Dolphin?: Double Commander ranks higher in our list of file managers (#3 against #4, score 89.5 against 88.0), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Dolphin is best for: Linux desktop users on KDE Plasma. Double Commander is best for: free dual-panel file management on three systems.
Which is cheaper, Dolphin or Double Commander?: Dolphin: Free and open source; installed from Linux software stores. Double Commander: Free and open source under GPL-2.0.
Do Dolphin and Double Commander run on the same platforms?: Dolphin supports Linux, Windows. Double Commander supports Windows, Linux, macOS.