# ES File Explorer vs iPlay File Manager

The clearest difference is rating: ES File Explorer at 4.6 against iPlay File Manager's 2.0. ES File Explorer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (15K vs 4). iPlay File Manager's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ES File Explorer sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. iPlay File Manager asks for nothing beyond the download.

ES File Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ES File Explorer has 15K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of ES File Explorer's written reviews are positive against 50% of iPlay File Manager's.

ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, iPlay File Manager every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ES File Explorer | iPlay File Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/es-file-explorer/id1441621965/reviews)** | [2.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iplay-file-manager-explorer/id6446816860/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **63.7% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 263 MB | 188 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Beijing Xiaoxiong Bowang Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435277197) | [Cigdem Akalin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1679247730) |

## 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


### iPlay File Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iplay-file-manager-explorer/id6446816860)

Manage all your files with this comprehensive tool. It supports numerous formats for viewing, editing, and playing media, with easy organization and sharing capabilities. Create folders, playlists, and import files from other applications.

**Highlights:** Supports all known file formats, Play videos and listen to songs, Edit text files, View images, Create and organize folders, Zip and unzip files, Import files from other apps

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ES File Explorer free?

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

### Is iPlay File Manager free?

iPlay File Manager is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, ES File Explorer or iPlay File Manager?

ES File Explorer is rated higher. ES File Explorer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while iPlay File Manager averages 2.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do ES File Explorer or iPlay File Manager have ads?

iPlay File Manager shows ads; ES File Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, ES File Explorer or iPlay File Manager?

ES File Explorer ships an update every 3 weeks, and iPlay File Manager every 4 weeks. Most recently, ES File Explorer was updated on November 1, 2026 and iPlay File Manager on October 24, 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.*