broot vs Dolphin
broot
github.com
Dolphin
apps.kde.orgSide by side
| Figure | broot | Dolphin |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · File Manager Software | 7.8 (#55) | 8.8 (#3) |
| Dual-pane view | Yes | Yes |
| File operations | Built-in operations include moving, copying, removing, and creating directories, and users can add shortcuts. | It supports creating, moving, deleting, compressing, sharing, and duplicating files and folders. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| License | The GitHub repository lists the MIT license. | The Dolphin page lists the license as GPL-2.0-or-later. |
| Navigation | Users can search for a directory and return to the shell with that directory selected as the current location. | Multiple tabs and split view let users navigate multiple folders and drag files between views. |
| Platforms | The installation page says Broot works on Linux, Mac, and Windows 10 or later; it notes that some systems may require compiling from source or using a third-party repository. | linux,windows |
| Purpose | Broot is a command-line tool for navigating directories, finding files, and launching commands. | Dolphin is KDE’s file manager for browsing and managing files on hard drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and other storage. |
| Support | The project directs users to a Miaou chat room and GitHub issues for questions and bug reports. | The product page links to the Dolphin Handbook and KDE forum for help, and to bug reporting and source code pages. |
Plans
In their own words
Dolphin
Dolphin is KDE’s file manager for browsing and managing files on local storage, including hard drives, USB sticks and SD cards, as well as remote machines and internet cloud services. It supports creating, moving, deleting, compressing, sharing and duplicating files and folders. Multiple tabs let users work in several folders, while split view supports drag-and-drop copying or moving between panes. Choose among grid, detailed and tree views, and configure most of the application’s behavior. The right-click menu supports custom actions. An integrated terminal runs commands in the current folder. Plugins extend workflows with Git and Nextcloud, while listed extensions cover services such as Google Drive, Amazon S3 and Samba. Dolphin is free and open source under GPL-2.0-or-later. Linux installation is available through AppStream stores or distribution package managers, and Flathub is listed. Windows installers are available as nightly builds for testing. KDE links to a handbook, forum, bug reporting and source code for support and contribution.