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Top Alternatives to Dolphin File Manager

Looking for Dolphin File Manager alternatives? We've curated 31 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Open Source

Dolphin File Manager Alternatives

Below you'll find the best alternatives to Dolphin File Manager. We've analyzed these options based on features, user ratings, and compatibility to help you find the right solution. Each alternative offers unique advantages that might better suit your specific needs and budget.

Total Commander

Total Commander

Commercial File Management Desktop Application

Total Commander is a powerful and versatile file manager for Windows. Featuring a dual-pane interface, built-in tools for archiving, FTP, and file comparison, it provides advanced control over file system operations, catering to users who require more than the standard file explorer.

Unique Features

  • Highly efficient dual-pane interface for easy file operations.
  • Extensive plugin system allows for significant functional expansion.
  • Includes built-in tools like FTP client and file compressor.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Highly efficient dual-pane interface for easy file operations. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Interface can appear dated compared to modern file explorers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
FreeCommander

FreeCommander is a powerful and user-friendly freeware file manager designed as an alternative to standard Windows Explorer. It features a dual-pane interface for efficient side-by-side file operations, built-in tools like an FTP client, archive handling, file comparison, and a batch renamer. Highly customizable and portable, it enhances file management productivity.

Unique Features

  • Dual-pane interface significantly improves file management efficiency.
  • Integrated tools like FTP, batch rename, and archive handling reduce reliance on external programs.
  • Highly customizable interface and keyboard shortcuts enhance user experience.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Dual-pane interface significantly improves file management efficiency. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Initial interface might feel slightly busy to new users. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Cyberduck

Cyberduck

Open Source Backup & Sync File Transfer

Cyberduck is a free, open-source client for file transfer, supporting FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and major cloud storage services. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing files on servers and in the cloud.

Unique Features

  • Supports a wide range of protocols (FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, Azure, etc.)
  • Clean and user-friendly interface
  • Integrates with major cloud storage providers

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Supports a wide range of protocols (FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, Azure, etc.) compared to Dolphin File Manager
Synchronization features are basic compared to dedicated sync tools unlike Dolphin File Manager
Double Commander

Double Commander

Open Source File Management File Management

Double Commander is a free and open-source cross-platform file manager with a classic dual-panel interface. It provides essential file management operations alongside advanced features like batch renaming, folder synchronization, and built-in viewers and editors, making it a comprehensive tool for efficiently organizing and manipulating files across various operating systems.

Unique Features

  • Efficient dual-pane interface for easy file operations.
  • Rich set of built-in tools and advanced features.
  • High degree of customization options.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Efficient dual-pane interface for easy file operations. compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface may appear less modern compared to some alternatives. unlike Dolphin File Manager
File Explorer

File Explorer

Free File Management File Management

File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, is the default file manager application for Microsoft Windows, providing a foundational interface for accessing, organizing, and managing files and folders.

Unique Features

  • Comes pre-installed with Windows.
  • Easy to use for basic file operations.
  • Integrated search functionality.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Comes pre-installed with Windows. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Lacks some advanced features found in third-party managers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Nautilus

Nautilus

Open Source File Management File Manager

Nautilus, also known as GNOME Files, is the official file manager for the GNOME desktop environment. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing files and folders, offering features like file preview, search, and network drive support.

Unique Features

  • User-friendly and intuitive interface.
  • Seamlessly integrated with the GNOME desktop environment.
  • Efficient file searching and preview capabilities.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

User-friendly and intuitive interface. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Lacks advanced features like built-in dual-pane view. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Midnight Commander

Midnight Commander

Open Source File Management File Management Utility

Midnight Commander is a powerful, console-based file manager offering a two-panel interface for efficient file handling. Licensed under the GNU GPL, it's a free software tool for managing files and performing operations like copying, moving, and deleting with ease.

Unique Features

  • Highly efficient two-panel interface for file operations.
  • Excellent keyboard-driven navigation and speed.
  • Seamless integrated SSH and FTP connectivity for remote management.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Highly efficient two-panel interface for file operations. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with console-based interfaces. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Q-Dir

Q-Dir

Free File Management File Manager

Q-Dir, also known as the Quad Explorer, is a powerful and versatile file management tool for Windows. It offers a unique four-pane interface, significantly enhancing file organization, navigation, and manipulation. Available as both an installable and portable application, Q-Dir streamlines everyday file tasks for efficiency and ease of use.

Unique Features

  • Unique and highly productive quad-pane interface for simultaneous directory viewing.
  • Extensive customization options for tailoring the layout and appearance.
  • Available as a portable application, requiring no installation.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Unique and highly productive quad-pane interface for simultaneous directory viewing. compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface design may appear dated to some users. unlike Dolphin File Manager
XYplorer

XYplorer

Commercial Development File Manager

XYplorer is a portable file manager for Windows that offers a powerful blend of speed, features, and customization. It's designed for users who demand more control and efficiency than the standard Windows Explorer provides, featuring a dual-pane interface, tabbed browsing, and an extensive array of tools for file management.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast performance and low resource usage.
  • Highly customizable interface and functionality.
  • True portability, runs without installation.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast performance and low resource usage. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Steep learning curve due to extensive features and customization options. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Commander One

Commander One

Freemium File Management File Management

Commander One is a powerful and versatile dual-pane file manager for macOS, engineered entirely in Swift. It offers a comprehensive suite of features for efficient file management, including FTP/SFTP/FTPS client, cloud service integration, a built-in terminal, and robust search capabilities, enhancing productivity for both novice and advanced users.

Unique Features

  • Efficient dual-pane interface for faster file operations.
  • Extensive support for FTP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, and major cloud services.
  • Integrated Terminal and powerful search capabilities.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Efficient dual-pane interface for faster file operations. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Initial learning curve for users new to dual-pane managers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
muCommander

muCommander

Open Source File Management File Manager

muCommander is a versatile, open-source file manager designed for productivity across various operating systems. It offers a dual-pane interface for efficient file operations, built-in support for network protocols like FTP and SSH, and extensive customization options, making it a powerful tool for both casual users and power users who need advanced file management capabilities.

Unique Features

  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
  • Integrated support for network protocols (FTP, SFTP, SSH, SMB)
  • Efficient dual-pane interface with tabbed views

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux) compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface can appear visually dated unlike Dolphin File Manager
Thunar

Thunar

Open Source File Management File Management

Thunar is a modern, lightweight, and fast file manager for the Xfce desktop environment and other Unix-like systems. Designed for simplicity and speed, it focuses on delivering a highly responsive file browsing experience directly out of the box, while remaining easily customizable through plugins.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast and lightweight
  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • Powerful batch renamer included

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast and lightweight compared to Dolphin File Manager
Core features are intentionally basic, relying on plugins for advanced functionality unlike Dolphin File Manager
xplorer²

xplorer²

Freemium File Management File Manager

xplorer² is a highly customizable dual-pane file manager for Windows. It offers advanced features like tabbed browsing, batch operations, and extensive search capabilities, providing a powerful alternative to the standard Windows Explorer for efficient file management and organization.

Unique Features

  • Highly customizable interface and features.
  • Efficient dual-pane interface for file operations.
  • Powerful and flexible file search capabilities.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Highly customizable interface and features. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Can be overwhelming for new users unfamiliar with advanced file managers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Krusader

Krusader

Open Source File Management Desktop Application

Krusader is a powerful, dual-pane file manager for Unix-like operating systems, offering extensive file management capabilities, including archive handling, FTP support, batch operations, and advanced customization options. It's designed for users who need an efficient and feature-rich alternative to standard file browsers.

Unique Features

  • Highly efficient dual-pane interface for file transfers and comparisons.
  • Comprehensive set of advanced file management features.
  • Excellent archive handling, treating archives like directories.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Highly efficient dual-pane interface for file transfers and comparisons. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Can be overwhelming for new users due to the large number of features. unlike Dolphin File Manager
TotalFinder

TotalFinder

Commercial File Management File Manager

TotalFinder is a powerful macOS plugin that enhances the standard Finder application with essential features like tabbed browsing, dual panel view, and various productivity-boosting improvements for efficient file management.

Unique Features

  • Adds essential tabbed browsing to Finder.
  • Provides efficient dual-panel view for file operations.
  • Seamless integration with the native macOS Finder.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Adds essential tabbed browsing to Finder. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Requires system modifications (plugin based). unlike Dolphin File Manager
Forklift

Forklift

Commercial File Management File Manager

ForkLift is a powerful and versatile file manager and transfer client for macOS. It seamlessly handles a wide range of connections including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, and even Bluetooth. With its dual-pane interface and robust feature set, ForkLift simplifies file management, synchronization, and batch operations.

Unique Features

  • Excellent dual-pane interface for efficient workflow.
  • Extensive support for various file transfer protocols.
  • Powerful batch renaming and directory synchronization features.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Excellent dual-pane interface for efficient workflow. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Can be more complex to learn compared to Finder for basic users. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Multi Commander

Multi Commander is a feature-rich, multi-tabbed file manager designed as a powerful alternative to standard Windows Explorer. It provides enhanced file management capabilities, extensive customization options, and supports a wide range of plugins and extensions.

Unique Features

  • Efficient dual-pane and multi-tabbed interface
  • Extensive features and customization options
  • Strong support for plugins, including Total Commander plugins

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Efficient dual-pane and multi-tabbed interface compared to Dolphin File Manager
Can have a steeper learning curve compared to simple file explorers unlike Dolphin File Manager
trolCommander

trolCommander

Open Source File Management File Manager

trolCommander is a powerful and lightweight cross-platform file manager. It is a fork of the popular muCommander, offering a dual-pane interface, rich feature set including built-in viewers, terminal, FTP/SFTP support, and extensive customization options. Designed for efficiency and speed, it's an excellent alternative for users seeking advanced file management capabilities across various operating systems.

Unique Features

  • Dual-pane interface for efficient file management.
  • Built-in viewers and terminal reduce reliance on external apps.
  • Cross-platform compatibility with consistent features.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Dual-pane interface for efficient file management. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Java-based interface may feel different than native apps. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Nemo

Nemo

Open Source File Management File Manager

Nemo is the default and highly customizable file manager for the Cinnamon desktop environment. It offers a robust set of features for managing files and folders efficiently, including multi-pane views, tabbed browsing, extensibility via plugins, and an integrated terminal for advanced users.

Unique Features

  • Excellent Tabbed Browsing
  • Very Useful Dual Pane View
  • High Level of Customization

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Excellent Tabbed Browsing compared to Dolphin File Manager
Plugin availability depends on community unlike Dolphin File Manager
Path Finder

Path Finder

Commercial File Management File Manager

Path Finder reimagines the macOS file browsing experience, offering a powerful and highly customizable alternative to the default Finder. It provides a dual-pane interface, extensive file management tools, advanced search capabilities, and deep integration with macOS features for enhanced productivity.

Unique Features

  • Dual-pane interface enhances productivity.
  • Extensive file management features not found in standard Finder.
  • Highly customizable interface and layout options.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Dual-pane interface enhances productivity. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Can be overwhelming for users accustomed to the basic Finder. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Finder

Finder

Free File Management File Manager

Finder is the essential file management application and graphical user interface shell for macOS. It provides a user-friendly way to navigate, organize, and access files, folders, applications, and network resources on your Mac.

Unique Features

  • Native and deeply integrated with macOS
  • User-friendly and intuitive interface
  • Seamless integration with Spotlight and QuickLook

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Native and deeply integrated with macOS compared to Dolphin File Manager
Lacks advanced features found in some third-party file managers unlike Dolphin File Manager
PCMan File Manager

PCMan File Manager

Open Source File Management File Manager

PCMan File Manager is a highly regarded, lightweight file manager designed for speed and efficiency. It is the default file manager for the LXDE desktop environment and offers a clean interface and essential file management functionalities with low resource consumption.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast and responsive.
  • Very low resource consumption.
  • Clean and intuitive user interface.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast and responsive. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Lacks some advanced built-in features compared to heavier file managers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Nomad.NET

Nomad.NET

Free File Management File Manager

Nomad.NET is a freeware orthodox file manager for Windows, offering a dual-pane interface and extensive features like FTP support, batch processing, and plugin compatibility, drawing inspiration from classic file managers like Total Commander.

Unique Features

  • Freeware with a rich feature set.
  • Efficient dual-pane interface for file management.
  • Robust batch processing and rename capabilities.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Freeware with a rich feature set. compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface can feel dated compared to modern file explorers. unlike Dolphin File Manager
GNOME Commander

GNOME Commander

Open Source File Management File Management

GNOME Commander is a robust, open-source two-pane file manager designed for the GNOME desktop environment. It offers a familiar dual-panel interface inspired by iconic file managers, providing efficient navigation and file management tasks with extensive features for both casual users and power users.

Unique Features

  • Efficient dual-pane interface for faster file operations.
  • Integrated FTP support for managing remote files easily.
  • Extensive customization options for keyboard shortcuts and appearance.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Efficient dual-pane interface for faster file operations. compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface may feel traditional to some users. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Xfe

Xfe

Open Source File Management File Manager

Xfe is a lightweight and fast graphical file manager for the X Window System, providing essential file management operations with a focus on efficiency and customization.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast and lightweight
  • Efficient dual-pane interface
  • Integrated console access

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast and lightweight compared to Dolphin File Manager
User interface feels dated unlike Dolphin File Manager
fman

fman

Commercial File Management File Manager

fman is a powerful, dual-pane file manager designed for speed and efficiency across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a clean interface, robust search capabilities, extensive keyboard shortcut support, and a flexible plugin system for enhanced functionality.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast and responsive performance.
  • Efficient dual-pane layout for organization.
  • Powerful and flexible plugin system.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast and responsive performance. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Basic built-in file preview capabilities. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Tux Commander

Tux Commander

Open Source File Management File Manager

Tux Commander is an open-source dual-pane file manager designed for Linux systems, primarily utilizing the GTK2 toolkit. It provides a robust set of tools for managing files and directories efficiently, including support for network protocols like FTP and SFTP. While the project is discontinued, it remains a functional option for users seeking a classic dual-pane interface and core file management capabilities.

Unique Features

  • Efficient dual-pane interface for productivity
  • Integrated FTP and SFTP client functionality
  • Supports essential batch operations like renaming

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Efficient dual-pane interface for productivity compared to Dolphin File Manager
Project is discontinued, no future updates or support unlike Dolphin File Manager
SpaceFM

SpaceFM

Open Source File Management File Management

SpaceFM is a highly configurable desktop-independent file and desktop manager for Linux and other Unix-like systems. It offers a multi-panel, tabbed interface with extensive keyboard control and built-in tools, providing a powerful alternative to traditional file explorers.

Unique Features

  • Highly customizable interface and behavior.
  • Multi-panel and tabbed layout improves workflow.
  • Integrated terminal is a significant productivity boost.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Highly customizable interface and behavior. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Initial learning curve due to extensive options. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Vifm

Vifm

Open Source File Management File Manager

Vifm is a ncurses-based file manager with Vim-like keybindings, designed for efficiency in terminal environments. It offers a dual-pane interface, tab support, and extensive customization options, making it a powerful tool for users comfortable with command-line workflows and seeking a highly keyboard-driven file management experience.

Unique Features

  • Extremely fast and lightweight
  • Powerful and efficient with Vim keybindings
  • Highly customizable and extensible

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Extremely fast and lightweight compared to Dolphin File Manager
Steep learning curve for non-Vim users unlike Dolphin File Manager
Marlin

Marlin

Open Source File Management File Manager

Marlin is a modern, fast, and feature-rich file manager built with GTK3. It offers a sleek user interface with tabbed browsing, dual pane support, and extensibility through plugins, making file management efficient and customizable.

Unique Features

  • Fast and responsive GTK3 interface.
  • Flexible navigation with tabbed browsing and dual panes.
  • Unique Miller Columns view for deep directories.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Fast and responsive GTK3 interface. compared to Dolphin File Manager
Plugin ecosystem maturity may vary. unlike Dolphin File Manager
Pantheon Files

Pantheon Files

Open Source File Management File Manager

Pantheon Files is a sleek and efficient file manager specifically designed for the elementary OS desktop environment. It emphasizes a clean user interface and powerful navigation features, including its signature Miller columns view, to provide a streamlined file browsing experience.

Unique Features

  • Clean and intuitive user interface.
  • Efficient Miller columns navigation.
  • Integrated and fast file search.

Compared to Dolphin File Manager

Clean and intuitive user interface. compared to Dolphin File Manager
May lack some advanced features found in other file managers. unlike Dolphin File Manager

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