# ES File Explorer vs BBA Connect

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BBA Connect at 100% against ES File Explorer's 64%. ES File Explorer's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (15K vs 5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and BBA Connect sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 64% of ES File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 100% of BBA Connect's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, BBA Connect every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ES File Explorer | BBA Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews)** | [4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bba-connect/id1508295497/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 63.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 263 MB | 87 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) | [BBA Corporate Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/408839175) |

## What reviewers say

### ES File Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 month) | $6.99 | per month |
| ES Pro(1 year) | $29.99 | per year |
| ES Pro(1 year） | $29.99 | per year |
| ES remove ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $4.99 | one-time |
| ES lifetime vip | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful file management
- 📁 Extensive file format support
- 🔒 Secure folder access
- 🎵 Excellent built-in media player
- 🔗 Seamless network connectivity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🔍 Search functionality issues
- 🔇 Music playback problems
- 🔌 Connectivity issues with FTP/SFTP

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

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


### BBA Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bba-connect/id1508295497)

Connect with security professionals for career development, training, and networking. Access job opportunities, online courses, and industry insights. Premium features offer enhanced networking and resources.

**Highlights:** Job opportunities, Online training & webinars, Professional networking, Community forums, Career development tools, Industry articles & podcasts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $6.99 | per month |
| Silver Monthly | $12.49 | per month |
| Gold Subscription | $18.49 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |
| Silver Subscription | $122.99 | per year |
| Gold Subscription | $184.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ES File Explorer free?

ES File Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is BBA Connect free?

BBA Connect is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ES File Explorer or BBA Connect?

ES File Explorer is rated higher. ES File Explorer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while BBA Connect averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do ES File Explorer or BBA Connect have ads?

Neither ES File Explorer nor BBA Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ES File Explorer or BBA Connect?

ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, and BBA Connect every 2 months. Most recently, ES File Explorer was updated on November 10, 2026 and BBA Connect on November 3, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*