Comparison

ES File Explorer vs X File Manager

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ES File Explorer

Manage local and network files with this comprehensive tool. It offers file transfer, compression, built-in media players, cloud storage integration, and editing capabilities for various document and code formats.

Highlights
  • File management and sorting
  • WiFi and face-to-face file transfer
  • ZIP, RAR, 7Z compression/decompression
  • Built-in audio/video player
  • Cloud storage aggregation
  • Remote service access (SMB, FTP, WebDAV)
  • PDF and code editor
Features
Read full description

ES File Explorer is a local and network file management tool that can help you manage files easily. 【The main function】 -File management You can create new directories, rename, move, delete files, etc. Support file sorting by name, date, size The iPad version supports features such as split screen, picture-in-picture, and drag-and-drop operations between apps - file transfer WiFi transmission function: support the transfer of files between the mobile terminal and the computer terminal Face-to-face fast transfer function: support for transferring files between mobile phones -Compress and decompress Support the compression and decompression of ZIP, RAR, 7Z format files Support Chinese password -Built-in audio and video player Support functions: double-speed playback (0.5~2.0), background playback, small window playback, etc. Can directly play audio and video resources in the network disk, local area, and local area network -Netdisk aggregation No need to download, you can access and use the files in the network disk Support simultaneous login with multiple accounts on the same network disk Support mainstream network disks such as Baidu network disk, google drive, OneDrive, dropbox, etc. -Remote service access: SMB, FTP, WebDAV -Built-in PDF editor Support PDF file browsing PDF file editing: supports highlight, underline, strikethrough, pen and other functions -Built-in novel reader Support TXT, EPUB format, continuous optimization -Built-in code editor Supports browsing and editing of 47 code formats such as json, js, log, java, php, swift, xml, net, etc. Support code theme switching, font size adjustment, encoding format adjustment -Other functions Automatic backup function: support incremental backup of system albums and ES local files to Baidu network disk, SMB, FTP, WebDAV Recycle bin function: support ES local files to be temporarily stored in the ES recycle bin after deletion to prevent file loss Browser: Support web browsing Application lock: protect user privacy and safety ES PRO - When you purchase ES PRO, you will Unlock all premium features. - ES PRO is billed monthly or annually at the rate corresponding to the selected plan. - Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. - According to the Apple Store policy, your subscription will be automatically renewed after the free trial ends. - Subscriptions will automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of current period. - Your account will be charged according to your plan for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or turn off auto-renew in your Apple ID account settings at any time after purchase. Terms of Service: http://esfile.do-global.com/h5/user_manual.html Privacy Policy: http://www.estrongs.com/privacyStatement/en/index.htm Email: esfileexplorerfeedback@outlook.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialESFileExplorer/ YouTube: https://goo.gl/YVXXV3

About

X File Manager

Manage your files, photos, videos, and documents with a powerful and intuitive interface. Organize, protect, and share your data easily with features like passcode protection, compression, and cloud integration.

Highlights
  • Smart file organization
  • Passcode and folder protection
  • File compression (ZIP)
  • Built-in web browser and downloader
  • Cloud storage integration (Google Drive, Dropbox)
  • Document scanner
  • Light and dark themes
Features
Read full description

X File Manager provide better capabilities of File Explorer, Video Management, Photo Management, Document Management. ◉ SMART FILE MANAGER Not just a File Manager, to help you manage your files more efficiently, also variety of powerful editing, compressing and security features, you can create folders, protect folders with passcodes and zip large folders for easy transfer. Create separate folders for photos, videos, notes, documents, or work files. Everything is easy with the app’s super-intuitive interface and neat design. ◉ POWERFUL VIEWER Designed with convenience in mind, X File Manager supports a wide range of the most popular file formats, including mp4, mov, jpeg, png, pdf, docx, rtf, zip and more... Meaning you can view photos, videos, documents, notes and more! ◉ SIMPLE FILE SHARING With numerous file-sharing options, the sharing of documents is super-easy. Share via external apps, or do a wi-fi or iTunes transfer, or also upload your files on the Cloud and share them via a link. The sharing of files and folders has never been this easy! ◉ SUPPORTED FILE FORMAT ▸ Photos & Video (HEIC, JPEG, PNG, MOV, MP4...) ▸ Read-Only Documents (PDF, DOC(x), XLS(x), RTF...) ▸ Compress (RAR, ZIP & Password ZIP) ▸ And much more… ◉ SHARE CAPACITY ▸ Wifi-Transfer ▸ iTune (via Cable) ▸ External App Share ◉ BUILT-IN BROWSER ▸ Simple and easy to use, no learning curve required ▸ Private Tab and Multiple tab support ▸ Powerful Photo Downloader, PDF Downloader, Zip/RAR Downloader, Video Downloader to help download video, photo, archive easily. ◉ KEY FEATURES ▸ Document Scanner ▸ Passcode Protection ▸ File & Folder Editing (Copy/Cut/Paste/Delete…) ▸ (Secure) Compress (ZIP) ▸ Specific Folder Lock ▸ Built-In Web Browser & Downloader ▸ Google Drive & DropBox Support ▸ Dual Theme (Light & Dark) X File Manager app is a must-have for any modern individuals handling different kinds of data on their iOS devices. Download now for free and let us know about any bugs, questions, feature requests or any other suggestions.

Screenshots

ES File Explorer4 screens
X File Manager4 screens

Verdict

The call

ES File Explorer and X File Manager both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of X File Manager's written reviews are positive against 64% of ES File Explorer's. ES File Explorer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (15K vs 89). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and X File Manager sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for ES File Explorer against 4.7 for X File Manager. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 89, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of ES File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 100% of X File Manager's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, X File Manager fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and August 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ES File Explorer versus X File Manager: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterES File ExplorerX File Manager
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (15K ratings)4.7 (89 ratings) — better
Positive reviews63.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings15K — better89
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size263 MB46 MB
Age rating17+17+
DeveloperBeijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.Nguyen Luong

Customer experience

ES File Explorer

All ratings15,195 ratings
Positive89.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative7.1%
Written reviews1,148 reviews
Positive63.7%
Neutral8.9%
Negative27.4%

X File Manager

All ratings89 ratings
Positive93.3%
Neutral1.1%
Negative5.6%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

ES File Explorer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Deleted all user files after update
  • Unable to connect to SMB servers
  • Video playback issues with certain file types
  • Inconsistent behavior when using VPN

Requested features

5 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Improved file compression tools
  • More customization options
  • Better integration with Apple ecosystem
  • Enhanced audio/video playback controls

X File Manager

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

ES File Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • ES Pro(1 month)7 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • ES Pro(1 month)$6.991 Month
  • ES Pro(1 year)7 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • ES Pro(1 year)$29.991 Year
One-time3
  • ES remove ads$1.99
  • ES lifetime vip$4.99
  • ES lifetime vip$6.99
1 purchases

X File Manager

One-time1
  • X-File (Ultimate Upgrade)$4.99

Questions

Is ES File Explorer free?
ES File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is X File Manager free?
X File Manager is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ES File Explorer or X File Manager?
X File Manager is rated higher. ES File Explorer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while X File Manager averages 4.7 from 89 ratings.
Do ES File Explorer or X File Manager have ads?
X File Manager shows ads; ES File Explorer does not.
Which is updated more often, ES File Explorer or X File Manager?
ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, and X File Manager fortnightly. Most recently, ES File Explorer was updated on September 25, 2026 and X File Manager on August 29, 2026.

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