# Zip Extractor vs CX File Explorer & Manager

The clearest difference is ads: Zip Extractor at none against CX File Explorer & Manager's shown. Zip Extractor also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). CX File Explorer & Manager's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 6 months). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Zip Extractor sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $6.49 per month and CX File Explorer & Manager sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for Zip Extractor against 4.5 for CX File Explorer & Manager. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 305 and 337 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 33% of Zip Extractor's written reviews are positive against 26% of CX File Explorer & Manager's.

Zip Extractor ships an update every 6 months, CX File Explorer & Manager every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Zip Extractor | CX File Explorer & Manager |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (305 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zip-extractorfile-explorer/id1559880998/reviews) | **[4.5 (337 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cx-file-explorer-and-manager/id6511239421/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 305 | **337** |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 25.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 20 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Retouch Photo Editor Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542170015) | [Fatiha Badag](https://appshunter.io/developer/1720152607) |

## What reviewers say

### Zip Extractor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zip-extractorfile-explorer/id1559880998)

Manage your local and network files with this powerful tool. It supports document preview and editing, as well as comprehensive compression, decompression, and file sharing.

**Highlights:** File management, Document preview and editing, Compression and decompression, File sharing and transmission, Network file management

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Monthly VIP | $6.49 | per month |
| Yearly VIP | $14.99 | per year |
| Yearly VIP | $14.99 | per year |
| VIP Forever | $19.99 | one-time |


### CX File Explorer & Manager

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cx-file-explorer-and-manager/id6511239421)

This app helps you organize, sort, search, and manage all your files, including documents, photos, and videos. It also supports extracting multiple archive file formats like ZIP, RAR, and 7-Zip.

**Highlights:** Manage device storage, Extract archive files (ZIP, RAR, 7z), Browse photos and videos, Transfer files via Wi-Fi, Quickly search for files, Delete, share, and rename files

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $4.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Plan | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Zip Extractor free?

Zip Extractor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is CX File Explorer & Manager free?

CX File Explorer & Manager is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Zip Extractor or CX File Explorer & Manager?

CX File Explorer & Manager is rated higher. Zip Extractor averages 4.4 out of 5 from 305 ratings, while CX File Explorer & Manager averages 4.5 from 337 ratings.

### Do Zip Extractor or CX File Explorer & Manager have ads?

CX File Explorer & Manager shows ads; Zip Extractor does not.

### Which is updated more often, Zip Extractor or CX File Explorer & Manager?

Zip Extractor ships an update every 6 months, and CX File Explorer & Manager every 6 weeks. Most recently, Zip Extractor was updated on September 19, 2026 and CX File Explorer & Manager on September 26, 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.*