# Files vs PowerReader

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Files at 55% against PowerReader's 13%. Files also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.4) and ratings volume (12K vs 13). PowerReader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Files sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. PowerReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Files holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Files has 12K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Files's written reviews are positive against 13% of PowerReader's.

Files ships an update every 4 months, PowerReader every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Files | PowerReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/files-file-manager-and-browser/id349275540/reviews)** | [1.4 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/powerreader-card-reader-expert/id1142077049/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **12K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | **55.3% of reviews** | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 56 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hian Zin Jong](https://appshunter.io/developer/298442756) | [Shenzhen Dianzhui Culture Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529082388) |

## What reviewers say

### Files

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/files-file-manager-and-browser/id349275540)

This app provides a web browser to save documents for offline viewing on your device. It includes a robust file manager with viewers for various document types, a photo browser, PDF reader, and Dropbox integration.

**Highlights:** Web browser for offline viewing, Built-in file manager, Advanced PDF reader, Photo browser, Dropbox integration, File transfer via HTTP/FTP, Passcode lock

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $5.99 | per year |
| Full Version Upgrade | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to collect content
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Useful for offline access
- 🚀 Quick downloads
- 👍 Reliable app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes/glitches
- 🔒 Security concerns
- 💰 Subscription model issues
- 🔋 Drains battery
- 🐛 Compatibility issues with iOS updates

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when opening images/videos
- Download links not working
- Restore purchases not functioning
- App not opening on iOS 13+
- Inconsistent behavior when switching tabs

**Requested features**

- Add equalizer
- Improve search functionality
- Enable background downloads
- Integrate with native Files app
- Add playlist management options


### PowerReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/powerreader-card-reader-expert/id1142077049)

Easily view, import, and export files, music, photos, and videos with this app. It integrates seamlessly with external flash drives for iOS devices, allowing quick file transfers and management across Mac, PC, and iOS devices.

**Highlights:** View, import, and export files, Works with external flash drives, File management across devices, Direct import from photo library, Access from other apps

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Files free?

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

### Is PowerReader free?

PowerReader is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Files or PowerReader?

Files is rated higher. Files averages 4.7 out of 5 from 12K ratings, while PowerReader averages 1.4 from 13 ratings.

### Do Files or PowerReader have ads?

Neither Files nor PowerReader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Files or PowerReader?

Files ships an update every 4 months, and PowerReader every 2 weeks. Most recently, Files was updated on October 19, 2026 and PowerReader on September 30, 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.*