The best file manager apps for Android: The android file manager apps is one of the most important applications in a smartphone. You can use it to view and find downloaded files, manage storage space, move files, and more. Not everyone likes to organize files because it’s boring, but everyone needs a file manager. Here are the best file viewing apps and file managers for Android.
The Best File Manager Apps for Android
File managers for Android: functional, lightweight, open-source – the choice is huge. How do you choose the perfect one?
We also asked this question and selected several interesting options for our readers. Since all the programs in our collection belong to the same class, their functionality is largely the same. But there are also features that we want to draw your attention to.
1. Amaze File Manager
Amaze File Manager app is a relatively new file manager app for Android and good enough. Open-source application with light interface, especially for those who just need to view files.
It has Material Design, SMB file sharing, a built-in application manager, and more. This best file manager apps for Android includes the most important functions without being bulky. You can download it for free, and if you want to help the developers, use in-app purchases.
2. File Manager ASTRO – File Manager & Storage Organizer
Astro is one of the oldest file managers for Android. Throughout its history, it has had ups and downs. However, it has always been a good choice. Of the functions, it is worth noting support for SD cards, support for cloud storage, file compression, application management, and support for unpacking archives (ZIP and RAR).
You will also get an intuitive and beautiful Material Design interface. The app is completely free, and no ads. The developer has also published a beta version if you want to try new features before others.
3. Cx File Explorer
Cx File Explorer is a good file manager app for Android. It has a relatively modern user interface, all basic functionality, and support for many cloud storage services and storage servers (FTP, SMB, etc.).
We also liked the dashboard, where you can easily find things like SD cards, main storage, download folders, or browse network drives easily. There is also the best file manager apps for Android, and it works surprisingly well. It’s not the most powerful file manager on this list, but it’s definitely one of the best free ones with no in-app purchases or ads.
4. Fx file explorer
FX File Explorer is a relatively new best file manager apps for Android. It has all the usual functions. This includes a feature for media and file management, support for multiple windows, network storage like FTP, and even support for encrypted zipped files. There’s even a text editor and support for unpopular archives like GZip, Bzip2, and 7zip. It has no ads and does not track your devices. It’s a good choice for those looking to ditch ES File Explorer.
Although this application calls itself a file manager, its capabilities are much wider. For example, there is a built-in file converter, an application manager, as well as quick junk file deletion and memory cleaning.
As for the functions of the best file manager apps for Android itself, everything you need is provided here: searching and cataloging files, managing them, convenient viewing of media content, a built-in archiver. It also provides backup of important files and connections of cloud drives. The program interface is nice, concise, and easy to understand.
This file manager app is free to download and does not contain ads.
5. MiXplorer Silver – File Manager
MiXplorer Silver is the newest file manager app on this list. The list of features is pretty impressive. You get standard features like file browsing, cloud storage support, and HTML browsing.
There are some niche features, including EPub, MobiPlacket, and support for PDF reading and file encryption. There are many plugins that increase the functionality, and For example, if you need archiving support, you can install the corresponding plugin. The app does not have a free version, so be sure to use the trial period to decide whether you like it or not.
The last and at the same time, the most expensive file manager app in our collection. But on the other hand, one that is inferior to all the solutions described above.
There are ample opportunities for customization and personalization and many convenient gestures for control. In the arsenal of the program, there are many quite popular options, such as search, a media player, a text editor, and an archiver, including an encryption option. It is also possible to connect cloud storage. There are more options for rooted devices.
There are also quite non-standard ones. For example, a code editor, encrypting any file, viewing documents in EPub, MobiPocket, and PDF formats, and much more. The ability to export/import settings looks no less interesting. This may be interesting for those who often change the main device or use several at once.
6. Material Files
This best file manager apps for Android is based on open source code, which can be important for those who are worried about their security. He has a very laconic interface, made in full accordance with the canons of Material Design with convenient controls and navigation. There are two skins, dark and light, and custom colors can be set.
External simplicity, however, does not affect functionality at all. In terms of the set of functions, there is everything a full-fledged file manager needs: file cataloging and management, built-in archiver, root support, FTP access, and much more.
The app is distributed free of charge and does not contain ads.
7. MK Explorer (File Manager)
MK Explorer is another good & best file manager apps for Android. It is a simple manager with few functions. It’s perfect for you if you’re looking for something simple.
It has a Material Design interface, basic file management features (copy, paste, delete, SD card support for Lollipop 5.0+), and root access. There is also support for 20 languages, a built-in text editor, gallery, and music player. The app hasn’t been updated for a long time, so I recommend it only to smartphones with an older version of Android, such as Lollipop or Marshmallow.
8. Root Explorer
Root Explorer – has long been popular with root users. It is not the most up-to-date application, but it is updated frequently. These updates include a new interface, new features, and stability improvements.
With this manager, you will have root access to the partition (if your smartphone is rooted), which allows you to do whatever you want. The app has tools like a binary XML viewer, the ability to change the owner and groups of a file, MD5 support, and more.
9. Solid Explorer File Manager
Another very well-known and multifunctional solution and an eternal competitor to our previous hero. Much attention has been paid to the visual component here: icon sets, themes, color schemes – all this will allow you to personalize the program as much as possible. There is also a two-panel mode with the ability to drag and drop files between panels.
Functionally, there is, perhaps, nothing that this best file manager apps for Android could not cope with: unpacking and creating archives, including password-protected ones, searching, viewing multimedia files, and much more.
It is possible to connect cloud storage and an FTP client. Root users have not been forgotten either: they will receive extended functionality from Solid Explorer.
This program is paid for review; 14 days of free use are provided.
Solid Explorer is gaining popularity, and it’s clear why. It has a Material Design interface, cloud support, Roo access, FTP, SFTP, WebDav, SMB, and CIFS support, archiving and compression support, Chromecast support, and even themes. This is the absolute leader in the number of functions that can only be in a file manager. You can try it for free for two weeks. Then you have to pay 99 rubles. I recommend this manager first. I think it is the best for Android.
10. Total Commander – file manager
Total Commander is one of the most powerful and highly rated file managers for Android. It has almost any feature that could come in handy, including support for network storage, cloud storage, plugins, bookmarks, a text editor, and other tools.
It quickly becomes a favorite among users, even though the design is outdated. However, it is completely free with no in-app purchases or ads. Putting all the pros together, it’s hard to be overly critical of design.
An application with a long history and excellent reputation. It is a powerful combination with a wide variety of functions. There are more or less familiar ones, such as moving individual files and entire directories, renaming and viewing information about a file, etc.
There is also a built-in archiver, text editor, media player, and search engine. And, of course, it is impossible not to note the main visual feature of Total Commander – the two-panel mode – and the presence of light and dark themes to choose from.
There are many convenient gestures: drag and drop, hold a single file, or several – drag.
Some of the options are available as plugins that can be downloaded if necessary. Thus, to the manager’s main functionality, you can add an FTP client, cloud storage, access to a local network. There are advanced features for superusers.
The program is free and no ads.
11. X-plore File Manager
X-plore File Manager is another unique file manager on this list. It is a two-pane application, which means you will be managing two windows at the same time, almost always. This is convenient if you copy/paste a lot and want to work with files quickly.
It also has support for various file types, cloud storage, network storage (FTP, SMB, DLNA / UPnP), built-in hex editor, root support, and many other features. You can even unzip the APK files if needed. The only drawback is that judging by the design, it was created back in 1995. But, don’t let looks fool you. This application is really good.
Why is there no ES File Explorer
This beloved file manager has been around for many years, and users had gotten used to it since the days when there weren’t many alternatives on Android. However, just over a year ago, the app was removed from Google Play.
The reason for the removal was the accusation of the developer of fraudulent activity, theft of user data, and the discovery of a vulnerability that allows third parties to gain access to user data. We cannot confirm or deny this information, but we are not ready to recommend this program to our readers for reasons of ethics.
If you trust this developer, think that you have nothing to hide, or just do not want to try new things – finding ES File Explorer on the Internet is not so difficult, for example, on PDALIFE or the official website of the company.
Conclusion
As you can see, the choice among file managers is really large, and even among the most functional solutions, there are both paid and free options. All developers approach the problem in different ways: someone immediately collects all possible functions in one program; someone, on the contrary, creates plugins that the user can install separately if necessary. Some focus on creating a secure environment, while others offer the user a clean interface. Any of these approaches has a right to life and finds its audience.
And since there is a file manager in one form or another on any android smartphone, we invite readers to discuss what characteristics are key for this kind of program.
If I missed any best file manager for Android, write about it in the comments!
