# FullControl vs File Explorer & Player

The clearest difference is ads: FullControl at none against File Explorer & Player's shown. FullControl also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FullControl sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and File Explorer & Player sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for FullControl against 4.6 for File Explorer & Player. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 219 and 124 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of FullControl's written reviews are positive against 78% of File Explorer & Player's.

FullControl ships an update every 4 weeks, File Explorer & Player every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FullControl | File Explorer & Player |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (219 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fullcontrol-remote-for-mac/id347857890/reviews) | **[4.6 (124 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-and-player/id1113281296/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **219** | 124 |
| Positive reviews | **81.9% of reviews** | 78.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Francesco Burelli](https://appshunter.io/developer/334626957) | [Remote Sunrise LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/619088610) |

## What reviewers say

### FullControl

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fullcontrol-remote-for-mac/id347857890)

Transform your iPhone or iPad into a powerful remote control for your Mac. Effortlessly manage applications, control media playback, navigate files, and even use your device as a keyboard and trackpad. Offers extensive customization for a personalized computing experience.

**Highlights:** Custom commands for each Mac application, Launch applications and control media, Remote keyboard and trackpad functionality, File browser and launcher, Shutdown, restart, and sleep Mac, Live screenshots and volume control (in-app purchase)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fully functional free app
- 👍 Worth-it pro upgrade
- 👍 Easy to use and very useful
- 👍 Excellent remote app
- 🚀 Comprehensive application

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 No longer functions with newer OS versions
- 🐛 Laggy trackpad and scrolling
- 🔒 Concerns about security and privacy
- 🐛 Unreliable connection and disconnects
- 🐛 Certain features not working as expected

**Reported bugs**

- Cursor freezes or behaves unexpectedly
- Compatibility issues with newer OS versions
- Certain commands not working as intended

**Requested features**

- Add volume and brightness controls
- Improve mouse/trackpad responsiveness
- Integrate with voice assistants
- Allow remote login and power on/off
- Improve UI and customization options


### File Explorer & Player

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/file-explorer-and-player/id1113281296)

Access and stream files from your Mac wirelessly on your iPhone or iPad. View photos, documents, and play videos directly from your computer. Transfer files and even use your iOS device as a portable drive.

**Highlights:** Stream video from Mac, View photos and documents, Transfer files to iOS, Use iOS as a drive, Wireless Mac access

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade to Pro Version - 1M | $1.99 | per month |
| Upgrade to Pro Version | $9.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Upgrade to PRO | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FullControl free?

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

### Is File Explorer & Player free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FullControl or File Explorer & Player?

File Explorer & Player is rated higher. FullControl averages 4.5 out of 5 from 219 ratings, while File Explorer & Player averages 4.6 from 124 ratings.

### Do FullControl or File Explorer & Player have ads?

File Explorer & Player shows ads; FullControl does not.

### Which is updated more often, FullControl or File Explorer & Player?

FullControl ships an update every 4 weeks, and File Explorer & Player every 3 weeks. Most recently, FullControl was updated on September 22, 2026 and File Explorer & Player on September 20, 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.*