The 8 best file manager apps in the Google Play Store
Managing files and folders on yourfavorite Android devicecan be a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. While many OEMs offer a file manager out of the box, they are basic at best. Thanks to third-party file manager apps on the Play Store, you don’t have to settle with the default option. After all, a robust file manager offers a user-friendly way to create, copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders. It’s a must-have add-on for anyone dealing with a lot of data on their devices.
Third-party file managers have sophisticated features like integrated cleaning tools that pinpoint space-consuming files. They also let you link cloud storage services or computers via LAN, FTP, SMB, or WebDAV. If you’re seeking the ultimate file manager to enhance your collection of thebest Android apps, your search ends here.
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8File Manager - XFolder
Powerful and easy-to-use file manager with desktop-grade features
In-app purchases
Subscription
ChromeOS support
Publish date
November 27, 2020
This robust file manager lets you view and manage files on internal and external storage (such as an SD card or USB OTG). It includes essential features like copying, moving, deleting, renaming, sharing, and compressing files. You can add favorites for quick access and protect sensitive data within a pin-protected Safe folder. File Manager—XFolder is free (with ads), or you can remove ads with a $3.99 purchase.
Sort files automatically by type and boost device performance by finding junk files (residual, system, ad), empty folders, APKs, and app cache. Hibernate apps for better battery life and cooler device temperatures. The storage analysis feature sorts files by size, showing which files take up the most space. It also displays duplicate files for easy removal.
7Mi File Manager
Xiaomi’s free and secure tool to find files faster
October 25, 2017
Xiaomi’s free file manager offers a clean, user-friendly interface for easy file management. It automatically sorts files by type and lets you view device folders and create new ones. It hides system files, but you can make them visible in the settings. You can view file details, share, move, delete, copy, rename, or open files with other apps. Additionally, you can add folders and files to your favorites when viewing them via their system folders.
The device optimization section shows storage breakdown and recommends residual junk for deletion. you’re able to also view large files on your device, along with videos and APK files, so you can remove them to free up space on your device. With Mi File Manager, you can access files remotely via LAN or FTP, which are easy to set up. The app is ad-supported, and there isn’t a way to remove the ads. However, ads are unobtrusive and do not interfere with your use.
6Files by Google
Google’s smart solution for file management
December 1, 2017
Google’s free file manager is easy to use. The main menu shows your recent files, categories, collections (including the built-in favorites and safe folder), and storage devices. Tapping each storage device shows all folders and files, where you have many options: move, copy, rename, add to favorites, add to safe folder, back up to Google Drive, delete, and open with another app. The system moves deleted files to the track bin and removes them permanently after 30 days.
The Clean tab offers cleaning suggestions to free up space on your device. It shows duplicate files, old screenshots, blurry photos, large files, and downloaded files. It works with Google Photos, allowing you to delete photos or videos backed up there from your device.
5Cx File Explorer
Browse quickly with a clean and intuitive interface
July 11, 2018
Cx File Explorer can be an ideal choice if you want an ad-free file manager with a bright graphical interface and a user-friendly design. Along with managing files on your mobile device, you can manage files in the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box) and on your PC (LAN, SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV). Cx File Explorer also manages the applications installed on your Android device. You can back up, uninstall, share, open, and view their information on the Play Store.
The Library tab organizes your files into categories for easy access. You can view your most recent files, which are organized by date. There are various grid, list, and thumbnail view options, and you can sort files by name, size, date, and type. The storage analysis feature is perfect for visualizing device storage. You can use it to remove unwanted apps and large files. Additionally, you can clear the cache of temporary app files, which can extend the life of your battery.
They’re not gone forever if you know where to look
4Material Files
A file manager and compressor in one package
December 1, 2019
Similar to Files by Google, this app features a modern, user-friendly UI that is easy to navigate. It features a black night mode option that is slightly darker (pure black) than the regular night mode. With Materials Files, you can browse and manage files on your device, as well as on FTP, SFTP, and SMB servers and an external storage device. The app menu provides quick access to DCIM, downloads, movies, music, pictures, and screenshots. When you long tap an option, a menu pops up, and you can hide or show other folders on your phone’s internal storage.
Material Files is free, without ads, and has all the file-related functionality you’d expect, such as cut, copy, delete, rename, compress, share, open with, and properties. If you have a terminal app on your device, you can open files in a terminal. It doesn’t have an image or video viewer built in, so when you tap to open them, you’ll choose an app on your device to view them. Within the app, it’s easy to add new folders and files, and you can sort folders by name, type, size, and date last changed for easier browsing.
3EX File Manager
Fast and secure with multiple language support
July18, 2022
EX File Manager is the darling of power users on Android, and rightfully so. It supports Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Yandex. The home screen gives you quick access to images, videos, music, apps, and other integrated tools, such as the disk analyzer, cleaner, battery saver, and CPU cooler. The disk analyzer provides a visual overview of your device’s contents. You can view and delete large, recent, empty, redundant, and duplicate files and folders.
EX File Explorer offers robust file management tools, including copying, cutting, pasting, moving, creating, deleting, renaming, searching, sharing, sending, hiding, and bookmarking files. It also handles compression and extraction of ZIP, RAR, 7zip, and OBB files. File transfers are supported via FTP, SFTP, FTPS, LAN, WebDAV, FlashAir, and Bluetooth. The app is free with ads, but you may upgrade to Pro (monthly, annual, or lifetime) to remove ads and unlock features like viewing hidden system files, finding disguised media, and encrypting files.
All-in-one app with no ads
This all-in-one file manager manages files on your device, SD card, and the cloud. You can add a handful of storage locations to ASTRO: Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Yandex, Disk, FTP, and SMB. Like other apps on this list, this file manager automatically sorts your files into folders and gives you access to your system folders and files, similar to a computer file manager. Unlike the other file managers on this list, ASTRO has a separate search tab with advanced filtering and sorting options.
Folders have a search function and can filter out specific file types. When dealing with files, you can delete, share, copy, rename, compress, hide, and add them to your favorites. You can also create an encrypted vault to store your sensitive files for secure file protection. Your vault can be protected with a pin or using biometrics. To help you free up space on your device, Astro includes cleaning functions to remove unneeded files, large files, and unused apps.
1Solid Explorer
Robust file manager that offers encryption and dual-pane browsing
July 1, 2015
Solid Explorer is a feature-rich file manager that you can expand with plugins (requires a separate purchase via the Google Play Store). It provides easy access to the files and folders on your device, organizes your files, and puts them into collections. Files can be moved, deleted, shared, renamed, archived, transferred, and more. The app is free for 14 days. When the ad-supported trial expires, you’ll pay a one-time fee of $6 to continue using it.
The full version offers an ad-free experience, unlimited device access, comprehensive cloud and network functionality, and file encryption. Solid Explorer’s customizable settings include view options, sort modes, filters, folder options, themes, color schemes, and custom icons. You can add files, folders, or new cloud connections from the main page. The app supports 12 connection types (Google Drive, SugarSync, LAN/SMB, FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more) with additional options on the Google Play Store.
It’s time to make a choice
Choosing the perfect file manager for your Android device can be challenging. The best app for you depends on your individual needs. Consider your priorities and pick the file manager that aligns with them. If moving data from your Android to your PC is a common task in your workflow, read our article onhow to transfer files from your Android to your PC.
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