Comparison

File Glider vs MicroBlue

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

Head to head
About

File Glider

Wirelessly transfer files to and from compatible Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi devices. Browse, edit, and manage files directly within the app or integrate with the Files app for broader access. Supports multiple device management and sharing across applications.

Highlights
  • Wireless file transfer
  • BLE and Wi-Fi support
  • File browsing and editing
  • Files app integration
  • Multiple device management
  • Cross-app access sharing
Features
Read full description

Wirelessly transfer files to and from file transfer ready Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Wi-Fi firmware.  Browse and edit files from within File Glider or use the Files app integration to access the files from other apps.  Multiple devices can be managed at once and access can be shared amongst multiple apps. Compatible devices: * nrf52840 boards running CircuitPython * ESP32-S2 TFT The file transfer protocol is open so you can use File Glider with custom firmware. See GitHub for protocol details: https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_BLE_File_Transfer Source for the app is here: https://github.com/adafruit/Glider-for-iOS

About

MicroBlue

This app connects to microcontrollers via Bluetooth/BLE, offering a customizable interface for control and interaction. It supports various components like joysticks and buttons, streamlining hobbyist and professional projects.

Highlights
  • Bluetooth/BLE connectivity
  • Customizable control interface
  • D-pads, joysticks, buttons, sliders
  • Text input support
  • Works with Arduino and Raspberry Pi
  • Writable custom service communication
Features
Read full description

The ultimate companion app for your microcontroller projects! Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, MicroBlue simplifies the way you interact with your microcontrollers through seamless Bluetooth/BLE connectivity. Connect effortlessly and explore the potential of your projects with an intuitive interface designed for customization. Customize your layout using a variety of components such as d-pads, joysticks, buttons, sliders, switches, and text inputs. Tailor the interface to suit your specific needs and project requirements. It has been verified to work with: - Arduino Uno R3 with HM10 - Arduino Uno R4 Minima with HM10 - Arduino Uno R4 Wifi - Raspberry Pi Pico with HM10 - Raspberry Pi Pico W - ESP32-S3 Starting from v1.1.1, the app communicates exclusively with the writable custom services of the connected devices. Empower your creativity and streamline your projects with MicroBlue. Take your microcontroller experience to the next level today! For assistance and more information, visit: https://snappyxo.io/microblue.

Screenshots

File Glider4 screens
MicroBlue4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MicroBlue at 4.5 against File Glider's 4.2. MicroBlue also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 10 months) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MicroBlue holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

File Glider ships an update every 10 months, MicroBlue every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and July 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
File Glider versus MicroBlue: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFile GliderMicroBlue
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.2 (5 ratings)4.5 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.013.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAdafruit IndustriesMechanismic Inc.

Customer experience

File Glider

All ratings5 ratings
Positive80.0%
Neutral20.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%

MicroBlue

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

File Glider

No in-app purchases

None

MicroBlue

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is File Glider free?
File Glider is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MicroBlue free?
MicroBlue is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, File Glider or MicroBlue?
MicroBlue is rated higher. File Glider averages 4.2 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while MicroBlue averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.
Do File Glider or MicroBlue have ads?
Neither File Glider nor MicroBlue shows ads.
Which is updated more often, File Glider or MicroBlue?
File Glider ships an update every 10 months, and MicroBlue every 3 months. Most recently, File Glider was updated on September 19, 2026 and MicroBlue on July 6, 2026.

Other comparisons