Dolphin vs ranger
Dolphin
apps.kde.org
ranger
ranger.fmSide by side
| Figure | Dolphin | ranger |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · File Manager Software | 8.8 (#3) | 7.0 (#95) |
| Batch rename | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-pane view | Yes | Yes |
| File operations | It supports creating, moving, deleting, compressing, sharing, and duplicating files and folders. | Ranger supports common file operations, including creating, copying, deleting, and changing permissions, as well as renaming multiple files at once. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| License | The Dolphin page lists the license as GPL-2.0-or-later. | The project repository identifies Ranger’s license as GNU General Public License Version 3. |
| Navigation | Multiple tabs and split view let users navigate multiple folders and drag files between views. | Features include multi-column display, tabs, bookmarks, mouse support, and changing the shell’s directory after Ranger exits. |
| Support | The product page links to the Dolphin Handbook and KDE forum for help, and to bug reporting and source code pages. | The project lists an IRC channel, mailing list, GitHub issue tracker, and direct email as communication or support channels. |
| Tabbed interface | Yes | Yes |
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.